The US Coast Guard said three federal agents and two boaters were rescued after capsizing in rough waters near Isla de Cabras in Toa Baja, Puerto Rico, on Tuesday.
The US Coast Guard and Puerto Rico Police Joint Forces of Rapid Action air crews executed the mission.
Video released by Coast Guard Southeast shows the stranded persons signaling for help as they’re beaten by waves in the ocean before air crews come to their rescue.
Three US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents were thrown into the water after their vessel capsized while attempting to perform the rescue.
Coast Guard was notified by the Puerto Rico Police of the capsized vessel at 9:05 pm on Tuesday before dispatching a 45-foot Coast Guard response boat and Coast Guard MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter, the Coast Guard said in a news release.
“A Customs and Border Protection Caribbean Air and Marine Branch marine unit and a Puerto Rico Police Joint Force of Rapid Action (FURA) also responded,” the Coast Guard said.
A “Good Samaritan” later reported seeing the 22-foot vessel with two people clinging to it. The three CBP agents initially attempted to rescue the boaters, but 10-foot swells sank them, the Coast Guard said.
According to the press release, “All three agents and the two boaters are safe and there are no other people missing.”
Coast Guard Air Station MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter aircraft commander Lt. David Tirado-Tolosa, CBP Air and Marine Operations Southeast executive director Andy Blanco, and Coast Guard Sector San Juan Search and Rescue mission coordinator Commander Zach Geyer issued statements on the case:
“Excellent team effort on this case late Tuesday night, said Lt. David Tirado-Tolosa, Coast Guard Air Station MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter aircraft commander for the case. “The quick actions by FURA and CBP AMO allowed for constant eyes on all five people in the water and their prompt rescue. 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.”
“I am incredibly grateful for the swift and courageous actions of all the agencies involved in Tuesday’s rescue, especially our partners at the U.S. Coast Guard and Puerto Rico Police,” said Andy Blanco, CBP Air and Marine Operations Southeast executive director. “Their outstanding coordination, expertise, and rapid response were instrumental in ensuring the safe recovery of our agents and the boaters. This successful rescue is a powerful reminder of the risks our crews face every day, and of the strength and importance of our partnerships in safeguarding our maritime communities.”
“This case highlights the dangers facing rescue professionals coming to the aide of mariners peril,” said Cmdr. Zach Geyer, Coast Guard Sector San Juan Search and Rescue mission coordinator for the case. “The responding CBP asset crew exemplified the courageous effort our federal and local responders make in a deliberate and calculated risk decision to save two individuals in immediate danger of death. Through strong coordination across agencies, including CBP, FURA, the Caribbean Air and Marine Operations Center, and the Federal Aviation Administration, responders safely deconflicted a congested airspace and ultimately saved lives. This case reflects the professionalism and teamwork required to save lives at sea. We are extremely glad and fortunate that everyone is safe and back with their families and coworkers.”
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