Indianapolis woman found dead after search near Puerto Rico beach

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — After a search, officials with the U.S. Coast Guard said an Indianapolis woman who was reported missing off a beach in Puerto Rico was found dead.

According to a news release, the body of 22-year-old Cimone Alicea Dawson was discovered off of Condado Beach in San Juan, Puerto Rico on Monday afternoon. Officials said that local emergency response authorities participating in the search “recovered her submerged and unresponsive.”

The search started on Sunday evening after Dawson was reportedly caught in strong rip currents off the beach, according to previous reports. Two of Dawson’s friends that she was swimming with were rescued and assisted ashore by local bystanders and other authorities.

“We extend [our] most heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of this young woman and pray they find strength and closure during this most difficult time,” Cmdr. Matthew Romano, the mission coordinator for the Coast Guard Search and Rescue said in the release. “I would like to extend my appreciation to the bystanders and on-scene authorities for their actions which saved two lives and to all the Coast Guard units and emergency response partners for their professionalism, dedication and tireless efforts during the search.”

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