Cayman Islands police search for popular US comic artist

Police in the Cayman Islands have been searching for a popular Marvel and DC Comics artist from the Boston region who disappeared while snorkeling with his wife.

Authorities said that Norman Lee was swimming near the eastern coast of Grand Cayman when he became separated from his wife late on Thursday morning. Officer Mark Miller said that authorities were planning to resume their search for Lee after not finding any trace of him.

Volunteer divers have been helping with the search amid heavy currents.

Police said Lee was last seen about 230 metres from the coast.

Lee's Facebook page was filled with dozens of message from friends and fans hoping for his return and noting that he is a strong athlete.

He began working on the Wolverine Annual for Marvel Comics in the late 1990s and most recently worked on including and . "Our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time," DC Entertainment spokeswoman Courtney Simmons said.