The U.S. Coast Guard and Puerto Rico Police Joint Forces of Rapid Action air crews reported a dramatic rescue of five people off Isla de Cabras in San Juan Bay. The story began with two boaters whose vessel capsized in rough water. A Customs and Border Protection boat headed out to help them, but it also capsized and the three agents on the boat were swept overboard.
The Coast Guard and a Puerto Rico Police Joint Force of Rapid Action (FURA) helicopter also responded, but were unable to reach the distressed boaters. Finally, a Puerto Rico Police helicopter arrived. The crew was able to rescue one of the agents. The Coast Guard aircrew sent a rescue swimmer and the remaining people were brought safely aboard the MH-60T aircraft.
All five of the rescued individuals were met at the San Juan airport by Puerto Rico Emergency Medical Service personnel. Miraculously, they had only minor injuries and did not require hospitalization.
Excellent team effort
“Excellent team effort on this case late Tuesday night, said Lt. David Tirado-Tolosa of the Coast Guard. “This mission highlights the high-risk environment our crews, federal, and local partners face every time they respond to a search and rescue. We are very glad everyone made it home safely, as this could have easily had a different outcome. I encourage everyone to check the weather before heading out; the next couple of days will not be safe for small vessels or swimmers on the north shore.”
As a territory of the United States, Puerto Rico can rely on federal assistance as well as the courage and local knowledge of the Puerto Rico Coast Guard and Puerto Rico police forces.
