Norman Lee, Artist For DC and Marvel Comics Missing From Cayman Islands After Snorkeling Trip

Famous comic book artist Norman Lee –who is known for his work on Wolverine, Supergirl, Starman, and other comic book titles – has gone missing from the Cayman Islands. According to CNN, Norman, who was on a snorkeling trip to the islands with his wife, went missing off the eastern coast of the Grand Cayman on Thursday. Following an intensive search operation that lasted three days, authorities have decided to call off the search and rescue operation, the CNN report confirmed – citing local news station Cayman 27.

According to Cayman 27, another reason for calling off the search operations was the presence of strong currents in the sea that made the operation a risky proposition. A statement issued by the police on the status of the rescue operation read:

“The currents in that area are strong and it is unlikely that we will make any recovery at this stage. While Marine enforcement vessels remain stationed in the area, active search and recovery orders were withdrawn at 6:00pm local time on Friday, March 6th. Authorities are also still encouraging people in the area to call in any sightings of interests.”

According to Chief Inspector of Police at Cayman Islands, Brad Ebanks, it is unlikely that the rescue team would make any recovery. He has now termed the rescue operation a “recovery mission“, Comic Book Resources reports.

“We put all assets available to us, both law enforcement and privately owned. We thank all those who assisted us in this time of need. Unfortunately we were unable to find or recover Mr. Lee.”

Norman Lee, 44, is a resident of Weymouth, MA, and has been contributing to Marvel Adventures: Spider-Man and Wolverine & The X-Men. He was snorkeling with his wife on March 5, when he got separated from her and went missing. The couple were only 250 yards from the shore. Following Lee’s disappearance, several teams including two vessels and dozens of volunteer divers tried to look for him – without success. Lee’s wife has in the meantime left Cayman Islands after giving a statement on the turn of events on the day Norman Lee went missing.

Following the news of Norman Lee’s disappearance, tributes have been flowing in from various quarters on his Facebook page and Twitter profile. Several of Norman’s colleagues, fans and co-workers have expressed their shock at his unfortunate disappearance.

[Image Via WCVB]