Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection and Puerto Rico Police units respond to capsized illegal voyage, north of Desecheo Island, Puerto Rico

U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 05/12/2022 01:46 PM EDT

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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

Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection and Puerto Rico Police units respond to capsized illegal voyage, north of Desecheo Island, Puerto Rico

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — Coast Guard rescue crews are responding Thursday to a mass rescue case of an undetermined amount of people in the water from a capsized vessel suspected of taking part in an illegal voyage, approximately 10 nautical miles north of Desecheo Island, Puerto Rico.

Coast Guard watchstanders received a communication at approximately 11:47 a.m. Thursday reporting that the aircrew of a Custom and Border Protection aircraft had sighted a capsized vessel with people in the water who did not appear to be wearing life jackets.

Coast Guard watchstanders directed the launch of multiple MH-60T helicopter from Air Station Borinquen and diverted the Coast Guard Cutter Joseph Tezanos to rescue possible survivors. Customs and Border Protection and Puerto Rico Police Joint Forces of Rapid Action marine units are also responding.

Updates to follow.

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-USCG-