SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — Police in the Cayman Islands searched on Saturday for a popular Marvel and DC Comics artist from the Boston area 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 Thursday morning. Officer Mark Miller said in a phone interview that authorities were planning to resume their search for Lee after not finding any trace of him for the past two days. Volunteer divers have been helping with the search amid heavy currents.

Police said Lee was last seen about 250 yards from the coast while still snorkeling.

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. Lee was on the fencing team at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth.

He began working on the Wolverine Annual for Marvel Comics in the late 1990s and most recently worked on other titles including Avengers and X-Men. He also illustrated works including Supergirl and Starman for DC Comics.

“Our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time,” DC Entertainment spokeswoman Courtney Simmons said in an email.