U.S. Coast Guard and Puerto Rico Air Crew Rescue Five People
A rescue operation led by the U.S. Coast Guard and the Puerto Rico Police Department unfolded off the coast of Toa Baja, Puerto Rico, on Tuesday night. It was quite a tense situation as two vessels capsized, leaving five individuals stranded in choppy waters. Thankfully, the rescue mission ended successfully with all five people—three federal officers among them—brought to safety.
Authorities reported that, after some time had passed and the situation stabilized, all survivors were confirmed safe and there were no reports of anyone missing.
According to Coast Guard officials in San Juan, they were alerted by the Puerto Rico Police Joint Rapid Action Unit just after 9 p.m. about a boat that had overturned near Isla de Cabras. They quickly issued an Emergency Marine Information Broadcast (UMIB) to inform other vessels in the vicinity.
In response, a 45-foot response boat and a helicopter from the Coast Guard were launched to aid in the rescue. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Marines and helicopters from the Puerto Rico Police were also on the scene.
A little while later, a passerby spotted an overturned 20-foot boat with two people holding on for their lives. He promptly relayed the location to the rescue teams, and a police helicopter converged on the area.
However, as the CBP Marines approached in 10-foot swells, the boat capsized again, casting three individuals into the turbulent water.
Boat crews from San Juan attempted to establish communication with those on the capsized vessel, but worsening conditions made it impossible due to the location being far beyond the reef boundary.
Nevertheless, a Coast Guard helicopter succeeded in rescuing one person from the boat, along with a CBP officer, and transported them to Cabras Island. Rescue swimmers were then deployed to safely retrieve the other two individuals from the water.
The rescued individuals were taken to Fernando Luis Rivas Dominici Airport in San Juan, where Puerto Rico Emergency Medical Services attended to them for minor injuries.
Lieutenant David Tirado Tolosa, commander of the Coast Guard Air Station, praised the collaboration that ensured all five individuals were rescued. He noted, “This mission underscores the high-risk environment our crews face during search and rescue operations. The outcome could have been much different, so we’re relieved that everyone came back safely.”
Commander Zach Geyer from the Coast Guard highlighted the inherent risks rescue professionals take while assisting distressed mariners. He commended the bravery shown by responders, emphasizing the importance of interagency collaboration in navigating challenging circumstances and saving lives.
