SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – A Coast Guard aircrew and a Puerto Rico Police marine crew rescued three boaters, two men and a woman, from a grounded recreational vessel on Morillo Cay in Guayama, Puerto Rico, Thursday night.
The 19-foot recreational vessel reportedly was transiting at high speed when it ran hard aground ejecting one of the three passengers onboard, who sustained an open wound to his forehead.
Coast Guard Sector San Juan watchstanders received a call from a 911 Emergency Service Operator, at approximately 8 p.m., who reported the incident. Watchstanders directed the launch of a Coast Guard MH-60T Jayhawk to provide rescue assistance and alerted Puerto Rico Police Joint Forces of Rapid Action who responded with a marine unit. Watchstanders also issued an Urgent Marine Information broadcast to alert vessel traffic in vicinity of the ongoing distress situation.
Once on scene, the Puerto Rico Police marine unit crew was unable to reach the cay and assist the passengers due to surrounding shoal waters. With amplifying information provided by the marine unit, the Coast Guard MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter deployed the aircraft rescue swimmer to assess the condition of the boaters. The Coast Guard aircrew used their rescue litter to hoist the injured passenger and a rescue basket to hoist the other two boaters.
“The teamwork and coordination between the Coast Guard and Puerto Rico Police enabled us to successfully execute this mission and we are grateful for their partnership,” said Lt. Christian Welch, Coast Guard MH-60T Jayhawk co-pilot for the case. “This case emphasizes the importance of safe boating practices, especially while operating at night.”
The boaters were transported to the Mercedita International Airport in Ponce, Puerto Rico, where they were received by awaiting Emergency Medical Service personnel who further assessed their condition.
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