Coast Guard rescues 2 persons in distress just off a Condado area beach in San Juan, Puerto Rico

U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 11/15/2021 03:11 PM EST

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U.S. Coast Guard 7th District Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands
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Coast Guard rescues 2 persons in distress just off a Condado area beach in San Juan, Puerto Rico

A Coast Guard Boat Station San Juan crew prepares to rescue two persons in distress, who were caught in the currents just off a Condado area beach in San Juan, Puerto Rico Nov. 14, 2021. Rescued were a man, 56, and a woman, 27, from Puerto Rico. The man, who was a bystander and local surfer, reportedly swam out to assist the woman in distress. (Photo courtesy of Luis Rodriguez, San Juan City Fire Department)
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SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – A Coast Guard Boat Station San Juan crew rescued two persons Sunday, who were caught in the currents just off a Condado area beach in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Rescued were a man, 56, and a woman, 27, from Puerto Rico, after the man, who was a bystander and local surfer, reportedly swam out to assist the woman in distress.

Coast Guard watchstanders at Sector San Juan received a call from 911 Emergency Service Operator reporting the situation. A Boat Station San Juan crew immediately launched to find and rescue the persons in distress.

“We responded quickly from San Juan Bay to the entrance of the reef line in the Condado,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Blake R. Flessner, Station San Juan coxswain for the case. “Since time was a critical factor, we entered inside the reef line despite the choppy sea state.  One of our lookouts quickly sighted the two persons drifting on a boogie board. Once we reached them, we threw a heaving line to safely get them away from the rocks, brought them onboard and gave them blankets.”

“People need to pay close attention to the weather and sea conditions when going out to enjoy a day at the beach,” said Lt. Cmdr. Lazu-Rivas, Sector San Juan Search and Rescue Mission Coordinator for the case.  “Most beaches around Puerto Rico are open water beaches and they could be very dangerous, especially in the Condado area when the sea state is high and there is a high-risk of dangerous currents and riptides.”

The Station San Juan crew transported the survivors to Coast Guard Base San Juan, where they were released with no medical concerns.

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-USCG-