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Javier Mendez Missing Person Case

Last seen in Fajardo, Puerto Rico on Aug 16, 2019

Victim Details

Jan 31, 2026

Feb 2, 2026

Javier

Mendez

56

49

60 inches

165 lbs

Hispanic / Latino

Male

Aug 16, 2019

Fajardo

Puerto Rico

All

No

186021

Policia de Puerto Rico

San Juan

Puerto Rico

All

00936

601 Ave. Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Puerto Rico

7877931234

Local

Law Enforcement

2019-12-027-004024

Aug 16, 2019

Policia de Puerto Rico

Brown

Black

Black

Sep 28, 2026


Area Last Seen:

Case Description

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Summary based on the NamUs case record (MP154770) and 1 other source
Javier A. Mendez, 49, has been missing since August 16, 2019, after he and three other men failed to return from a boating trip near Fajardo, Puerto Rico. Mendez, along with Hector Méndez, 60, Héctor Méndez Jr., 30, and Victor Goitia, 59, disappeared in the waters between Isleta Marina and Cayo Icacos. The group was aboard a white 22-foot Proline boat named 'WEPA', built in 1990, with a mixed engine registered as TAB PR3344.

The United States Coast Guard initiated a search and rescue operation following a report that the vessel was experiencing mechanical issues. The extensive search began on a Friday afternoon and continued for five days, covering over 22,000 square nautical miles, an area roughly six times the size of Puerto Rico. The search area extended from the eastern municipalities of Fajardo, Vieques, and Culebra, and stretched more than 80 miles offshore along the northern coast of the island.

Despite the large-scale effort involving both air and surface units that conducted over 46 searches, no signs of the men or their vessel were found. The Coast Guard officially suspended the search at sunset on the following Tuesday. At the time of his disappearance, Javier Mendez was described as a Hispanic/Latino male, 5'0" in height, and weighing 165 pounds, with brown hair and black eyes. The case remains open and is being handled by the Policia de Puerto Rico.
Last Seen: Aug 16, 2019

Links to Additional Sources (1)

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  • Missing Person / NamUs #MP154770

    • Possible Unidentified Matches (3)

    Unidentified remains cases whose details are consistent with this person, ranked by how closely they compare. Fields that are unknown in either case are left out of the score.

    78%Possible
    John Doe — Gurabo, Puerto Rico
    UP96415 • Found Sep 4, 2022
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 100%Est. 38–52 vs 49 when missing
    Race 100%Hispanic
    Location 97%22 mi away, same county
    TimingFound 3 years after last seen
    Hair 60%Black vs Brown
    Eyes 90%Brown vs Black
    75%Possible
    John Doe — SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico
    UP76491 • Found Nov 14, 2020
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 60%Est. 18–100 vs 49 when missing
    Race 100%Hispanic
    Location 95%27 mi away, same county
    TimingFound 15 months after last seen
    Weight 100%171 lb vs 165 lb
    Hair 100%Brown vs Brown
    Eyes 90%Brown vs Black
    75%Possible
    John Doe — SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico - unidentified case UP76490
    John Doe — SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico
    UP76490 • Found Nov 11, 2020
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 60%Est. 18–100 vs 49 when missing
    Race 100%Hispanic
    Location 95%27 mi away, same county
    TimingFound 15 months after last seen
    Weight 100%149 lb vs 165 lb
    Hair 100%Brown vs Brown
    Eyes 90%Brown vs Black

    These comparisons are generated automatically from public NamUs case data and are not confirmed identifications. Only DNA, dental or fingerprint comparison by investigators can confirm an identity. If you believe two cases are connected, contact the agency handling the unidentified case.

    Unidentified photos are blurred because many are post-mortem. Tap a photo to reveal it.

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    Forum Posts (2)

    Hey everyone, I’ve been thinking about the boat they were on, the 'WEPA'. Given that it was built in... ...Read More
    09/29/2024
    Has anyone else been following the case of Javier A. Mendez and the three others who went missing... ...Read More
    11/10/2023

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