The Coast Guard rescues 2 people from water 32 miles south of St. Croix

News Release

U.S. Coast Guard 7th District Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands Contact: Coast Guard Puerto Rico PA Office Office: 787-729-2381 After Hours: 787-510-7923 7th District Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands online newsroom

The Coast Guard rescues 2 people from water 32 miles south of St. Croix

 

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SAINT CROIX, U.S. Virgin Islands— The Coast Guard rescued two people Thursday from the water approximately 32 miles south of St. Croix. 

The crew of the sailing vessel, Summer Star, notified Coast Guard Sector San Juan watchstanders at approximately 6:48 a.m., they had abandoned their sinking ship and were on a life raft in the water.

A Coast Guard Air Station Borinquen MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew arrived on scene, hoisted the two people and took them ashore to local emergency medical services.

“This rescue demonstrates the importance of having the right type of emergency equipment," said Petty Officer First Class Andres Perez, the operations specialist who coordinated the rescue. "It was the EPIRB that notified our rescue center when the persons aboard did not have time to broadcast a mayday prior to abandoning ship, and because of the mariner’s preparation we were able to establish
communication and coordinate a quick and successful rescue.”

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-USCG-