Five people, including three federal agents, were rescued Tuesday night after two vessels capsized in rough seas off Isla de Cabras in Toa Baja, Puerto Rico, authorities said.
The incident occurred shortly after 9 p.m., when U.S. Coast Guard watchstanders in San Juan received a report from Puerto Rico Police's Joint Forces of Rapid Action (FURA) about a capsized vessel.
An urgent marine broadcast alerted nearby boaters, and several agencies launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation.
Responding units included a Coast Guard 45-foot Response Boat-Medium, an MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations unit, and a FURA helicopter.
Second capsizing complicates rescue
A good Samaritan reported spotting a 22-foot overturned vessel with two people clinging to it and gave information to rescuers. A FURA helicopter confirmed the location.
As a CBP marine unit approached in seas of about 10 feet, its vessel also capsized, throwing three federal agents into the water.
Coast Guard crews were initially unable to reach those in the water due to worsening conditions and the vessel's position beyond a reef line.
Air crews complete rescue
Helicopter crews ultimately carried out the rescue.
The FURA helicopter hoisted one boater and one CBP agent and flew them to Isla de Cabras. A Coast Guard helicopter deployed a rescue swimmer and hoisted the remaining three people — two agents and a boater — to safety.
All five were taken to Fernando Luis Ribas Dominicci Airport in San Juan, where they were treated for minor injuries. No one remains missing, officials said.
Officials stress risks
Lt. David Tirado-Tolosa, the Coast Guard helicopter commander, credited the coordinated response and said crews maintained visual contact with those in the water through the operation.
Cmdr. Zach Geyer, the Coast Guard's search-and-rescue mission coordinator, said the incident highlights the dangers of operating in hazardous sea conditions.
Authorities urged mariners to monitor weather conditions before heading out, warning that rough seas along Puerto Rico's north shore are expected to continue for days.
Solange Reyner ✉
Solange Reyner is a writer and editor for Newsmax. She has more than 15 years in the journalism industry reporting and covering news, sports and politics.
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