7 News Belize

Search for Leesman Continues, Coast Guard comes Up With Clues
posted (May 5, 2014)
Last week we told you about the missing American tourist and Army Ranger, 29 year old Wrangler Shane Leesman. He disappeared in a kayaking accident near the reef on April 29th; that's six days ago - and tonight the Belize Coast Guard is reporting that search teams have found some trace of him.

That's the product of intensified search efforts bolstered by two Blackhawk helicopters from the US Government and scuba divers. The Coast Guard's Operations Officer detailed the items found and their location:..

Lieutenant Greg Soberanis, Operations Officer - Belize Coast Guard
"We had divers from "Tuff Enuff" dive shop who were diving in the area just south of where Mr. Jusko and Mr. Leesman had capsized. They found 3 items: a grey ball cap, a black ball cap and a light grey swim trunk. Close family friends who are in the country of Mr. Leesman has confirmed that the grey ball cap which bears the ranger emblem is indeed for Mr. Leesman. They have confirm that it is the regiment to which he was a part of. They also believe that the grey short pants that was found may be his. It's a size 31 quicksilver shredded grey short pants that was found. No confirmation as it relates to the black cap that was found."

"As a slide reflects here the items were found just south of the area where they had capsized; approximately 1 mile south inside the reef where Mr. Leesman has capsized in the kayak. Mr. Jusko was found just inside the reef as well at approximately 7.77 miles south of the Mata Granda channel as well. Currently like I have said the search efforts are ongoing as we continue to commit our resources along with the US Government. They have committed to 2 black hawk helicopters to assist in the aerial search. We are also coordinating with Astrum Helicopters, the family has hired the services of Astrum Helicopters who is also assisting with the aerial search as well as family friends who are divers of Mr. Leesman along with some local divers. They are diving the site where these items were found in trying to locate Mr. Leesman. So that is where we are currently. The commandant continues to commit Coast Guard resources personnel in partnership with the US Government and our local counterparts in trying to locate and find Mr. Leesman."

"People has been asking why the search has been extended up until this time. But we have taking several things into consideration: 1) Mr. Leesman is a trained military personnel to be begin with. He is Special Forces trained, he was a part of the ranger regiment, so he his skills set is one that enables him to survive at sea. He is trained in survival; at sea and simply just to will to survive coupled with the skill sets that he has definitely enhances his opportunity to survive at sea. Hence the reason why the search effort is ongoing at this time."

US news outlets report that in five years as a ranger, Leesman did five tours of Iraq and Afghanistan. His mother believed that because of his Ranger training if anyone can survive, he can.

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