Navy stops search for missing civilian San Clemente worker

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The Associated Press

A sign warns visitors of the dangers involved when entering the seaside hills of San Clemente Island, where North America’s rarest bird calls home Wednesday, July 17, 2013. In the decade since the Navy left the Puerto Rican island of Vieques, bombardments and live-fire trainings have grown exponentially on this windswept California island , which has special federal status because of its biological diversity. Since then, endangered species like the island fox, night lizard and loggerhead shrike have grown in number too, thriving alongside the blasts after nearing extinction. It’s a phenomenon happening at military installations across the nation where endangered species are flourishing despite the drills.(AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi)

SAN DIEGO – The Navy and Coast Guard have suspended the search for a civilian employee working on the military’s San Clemente Island off Southern California.

The Navy said Tuesday that Navy and Coast Guard helicopters, two Coast Guard cutters and Los Angeles County rescue crews combed the area for more than two days but were unable to find 59-year-old Lee Racicot.

Officials say Racicot was reported missing Wednesday, a day after he had gone fishing.

San Clemente Island is a Navy bombing range. Nearly all military and civilian personnel do not live on the island but stay there while working.

Navy spokesman Jon Nylander says Racicot helped organize recreational activities for personnel.

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