Full Breakdown
Coast Guard and Puerto Rico Police Rescue Five from Capsized Vessels
4/4/2026, 11:38:22 AM
Incident Overview
On the night of March 30, 2023, a dramatic rescue operation unfolded off Isla de Cabras, Puerto Rico, after two vessels capsized in rough seas. The U.S. Coast Guard, in collaboration with the Puerto Rico Police Joint Forces of Rapid Action, successfully rescued three federal agents and two boaters who were stranded in the water. The incident began shortly after 9 p.m. when the Coast Guard watchstanders at Sector San Juan received an urgent report about a capsized 22-foot vessel.
Rescue Operation Details
In response to the emergency, the Coast Guard issued an urgent marine information broadcast to alert nearby vessels and dispatched a 45-foot Response Boat Medium and an MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter. A Customs and Border Protection (CBP) marine unit and a Puerto Rico police helicopter also joined the rescue efforts. A "Good Samaritan" reported seeing the capsized vessel and provided its location, which was confirmed by the police helicopter.
As the CBP marine unit approached the scene, it capsized due to 10-foot swells, throwing three agents into the water. The Coast Guard's response boat faced challenges in reaching the survivors due to deteriorating sea conditions and the vessel's position beyond the reef line. The Puerto Rico police helicopter managed to rescue one boater and one CBP agent, transporting them to Isla de Cabras. Subsequently, the Coast Guard helicopter deployed a rescue swimmer who successfully hoisted the remaining two agents and the final boater aboard.
Aftermath and Safety Measures
All five individuals were safely transported to the Fernando Luis Ribas Dominicci Airport in San Juan, where they received treatment for minor injuries. Lt. David Tirado-Tolosa, the Coast Guard helicopter commander, emphasized the importance of teamwork in the successful rescue, stating, “The quick actions by FURA and CBP AMO allowed for constant eyes on all five people in the water and their prompt rescue.”
Cmdr. Zach Geyer, the Coast Guard's search-and-rescue mission coordinator, highlighted the inherent risks faced by rescue professionals in hazardous conditions. He remarked, “This mission highlights the high-risk environment our crews, federal and local partners face every time they respond to a search and rescue.” Authorities have urged mariners to monitor weather conditions closely, as rough seas are expected to persist along Puerto Rico's northern shore.
Conclusion
The coordinated efforts of multiple agencies, including the U.S. Coast Guard, CBP, and Puerto Rico Police, ensured the safe recovery of all individuals involved in the capsizing incident. The successful operation underscores the critical nature of inter-agency collaboration in emergency situations and the ongoing risks associated with maritime activities in challenging weather conditions.
