Accident Located 5 Miles South Of Desecheo Island

The US Coast Guard crews rescued two men, Saturday, after their 24-foot fishing vessel ran out of fuel and capsized 5 miles south of Desecheo Island (near Puerto Rico). No injuries were reported.  

Coast Guard Sector San Juan watchstanders received an unregistered digital selective calling alert at approximately 1 p.m., Saturday, followed by a phone call from a good Samaritan reporting a disabled vessel off Desecheo Island. 

Watchstanders then received a distress call through VHF channel 16 around 4 p.m., from the two men reporting they had activated the digital selective calling alert.

The two men were located aboard their disabled vessel by an Air Station Borinquen Coast Guard Auxiliary airplane aircrew.

An Air Station Borinquen MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter aircrew arrived on scene and found both men wearing life jackets aboard their vessel around 5 p.m. Approximately 5 minutes later the vessel capsized after taking on water from a wave in 6-8 foot seas and 25-30 knot winds. The aircrew hoisted both individuals from the water and transported them to Air Station Borinquen.

“Our crews worked together to conduct the rescue safely and efficiently with the best possible outcome," said Lt. David Tirado Tolosa, Coast Guard Air Station Borinquen MH-60 aircraft commander. “Emergencies at sea can happen at any given moment. We recommend all mariners wear their life jackets and carry a marine grade radio as these men did, in case they encounter an unexpected situation at sea.”

FMI: www.uscg.mil