Coast Guard rescues man, continues search for possible survivors of capsized migrant vessel near Mona Island, Puerto Rico

U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 07/23/2020 11:38 PM EDT

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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
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Coast Guard rescues man, continues search for possible survivors of capsized migrant vessel near Mona Island, Puerto Rico

The crews of the Coast Guard Cutter Joseph Doyle (1133) and the motor tanker Coral Energy combined efforts the night of July 22, 2020 to rescue the survivor of a sunken migrant boat in the Mona Passage near Mona Island, Puerto Rico. Multiple Coast Guard air and surface assets continue to actively search July 23, 2020 for 12 other migrants who reportedly remain missing. (U.S. Coast Guard photo)
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SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Coast Guard surface and air rescue crews continue searching Thursday night for possible survivors of a capsized migrant vessel that reportedly sank Monday in waters near Mona Island, Puerto Rico.

So far, one man, who claimed to be a Dominican Republic national, has been rescued, while 12 others reportedly remain missing.

Coast Guard watchstanders at Sector San Juan were contacted via a VHF Channel 16 radio transmission at approximately 7 p.m. Wednesday from the motor tanker Coral Energy, requesting search and rescue assistance in the area after the crew reported hearing voices coming from the water, while the tanker was transiting approximately 10 miles north of Mona Island. 

The Coast Guard Cutter Joseph Doyle (WPC-1133) diverted to the area and arrived on scene with the tanker, where the rescued man was located by the crew of the tanker Coral Energy.  The crew used a spotlight to vector-in the cutter Joseph Doyle to the survivor’s position.  The cutter Joseph Doyle came alongside and safely recovered the survivor from the water.  Following his rescue, the survivor reported he was traveling with 12 other people when their boat capsized and sank Monday. He also stated he was able to stay afloat while holding on to two gasoline containers, which caused him to receive chemical burns on his body.

Coast Guard watchstanders diverted the Coast Guard Cutter Winslow Griesser (WPC-1116) and launched an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter and an HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircraft to initiate the search for possible survivors.

As of Thursday night, Coast Guard rescue crews participating in the search are:

  • Coast Guard Cutter Winslow Griesser (WPC-1116)
  • Coast Guard Cutter Joseph Doyle (WPC-1133)
  • Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin helicopters from Air Station Borinquen
  • Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew from Air Station Clearwater, Fla.
  • Coast Guard HC-144 Ocean Sentry from Air Station Miami
  • Coast Guard HH-C-130 Hercules from Air Station Clearwater, Fla.

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-USCG-