Coast Guard Rescues Five Off Puerto Rico
The U.S. Coast Guard, in collaboration with local authorities in Puerto Rico, successfully rescued five individuals, including three federal agents, near Isla de Cabras in Toa Baja.
This dramatic rescue operation was highlighted by the Coast Guard, an agency of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which released video footage on Friday.
Just after 9 p.m. on Tuesday, officials in San Juan received alerts from Puerto Rico Police’s Joint Forces of Rapid Action (FURA) regarding a capsized vessel.
In response, the Coast Guard issued an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast to warn other boats in the vicinity, deploying a 45-foot Response Boat Medium, an MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter, and a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air and Marine Operations unit. A helicopter from Puerto Rico Police also aided in locating the capsized boat.
While approaching the stranded boaters, waves reaching up to 10 feet caused the CBP vessel to tip over, throwing three agents into the water. The San Juan crew found it challenging to assist due to the rough conditions.
Fortunately, the Puerto Rican helicopter managed to rescue one of the CBP agents and one boater, escorting them safely to Isla de Cabras.
The Coast Guard crew then sent a rescue swimmer to retrieve the remaining two agents and another boater, successfully hoisting them onto the helicopter.
Once on land, the survivors were treated for minor injuries by Puerto Rico Emergency Medical Service personnel at Fernando Luis Ribas Dominicci Airport in San Juan.
“This was a fantastic team effort late Tuesday night,” commented Lieutenant David Tirado-Tolosa, the helicopter aircraft commander at Coast Guard Air Station. “The quick response from FURA and CBP AMO was crucial in maintaining visual contact with all five individuals in the water, leading to their quick rescue. It underscores the risks our crews and partners face during search and rescue operations. We’re relieved everyone made it back safely, as things could have ended quite differently.”
Lieutenant Tirado-Tolosa also advised people to be cautious and check the weather before heading out in small boats, especially with dangerous conditions expected in the following days.
“I am deeply thankful for the rapid and brave actions of all agencies involved in Tuesday’s operation, particularly the U.S. Coast Guard and Puerto Rico Police,” remarked Andy Blanco, the Executive Director for CBP Air and Marine Operations Southeast. “Thanks to effective coordination among various agencies, we managed to safely navigate congested airspace and ultimately save lives. This incident reflects the professionalism and collaborative spirit vital for maritime rescue missions,” added Commander Zach Geyer, coordinator for the Coast Guard Sector San Juan Search and Rescue mission.
