The search for Coronado resident Lee Racicot missing at sea was called off on Oct. 14, 2014, meaning the father and civilian Navy employee is presumed dead. NBC 7’s Omari Fleming spoke with his friends and has a look at his life.
The U.S. Navy and Coast Guard have suspended the search for a Coronado man working on the military's San Clemente Island.
Lee Racicot, 59, was reported missing Wednesday, Oct. 8, one day after he left to go fishing, officials said.
Navy and Coast Guard helicopters, two Coast Guard cutters and Los Angeles County rescue crews combed the area for more than two days, but they were unable to find the civilian employee.
Racicot lived on his boat at the Coronado Yacht Club, friends told NBC 7.
“He loved the water. He loved to fish. He loved to go lobstering. He loved to do all of those kind of things,” longtime friend Marylee Goyan said through tears.
“He was everyone’s friend,” Goyan added.
Friends said Racicot would go out of his way to help a neighbor. In August, he organized a charity boating fundraiser for Sharp Hospital.
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“When he was approached to be the chairman of that group, he gladly accepted right away,” said Fabian Arreola with the Coronado Yacht Club.
“I hope he’s in a better place,” Arreola said.
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.
Racicot was an employee for Naval Auxiliary Landing Field San Clemente Island (NALFSCI.) He helped organize recreational activities for personnel, Navy spokesman Jon Nylander said.
