Home / Disasters and Accidents / Boats Capsize, Agents Rescued in Darkness
Boats Capsize, Agents Rescued in Darkness
4 Apr
Summary
- Three federal agents and two boaters were rescued.
- Rescue occurred during rough seas and darkness.
- Multiple agencies collaborated for successful rescue.
The U.S. Coast Guard, in coordination with Puerto Rican police, executed a complex rescue operation to save five individuals after two boats capsized off the coast of Goat Island. The rescue took place in challenging conditions, including rough seas and darkness, making the operation particularly perilous.
Responding to a distress call Tuesday evening, multiple agencies, including the Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection, and Puerto Rican police, were dispatched. A "Good Samaritan" alerted rescuers to the location of the first capsized vessel, where two people were clinging to it.
During the rescue attempt, a Customs and Border Protection marine unit also capsized in the 10-foot swells, throwing three agents into the water. A Puerto Rican police helicopter initially rescued one boater and one agent, transporting them to safety.
With the arrival of a Coast Guard Jayhawk helicopter, a rescue swimmer was deployed. This swimmer successfully retrieved the remaining two agents and one boater from the ocean.
All five survivors were transported to an airport in San Juan and treated for minor injuries. Officials praised the "excellent team effort" and "quick actions" of all involved agencies, highlighting the successful outcome of a potentially tragic situation.
