Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection surface and air units respond to illegal voyage vessel drop-off of non-U.S. citizens just off Mona Island, Puerto Rico

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 units respond to illegal voyage vessel drop-off of non-U.S. citizens just off Mona Island, Puerto Rico

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — Coast Guard air and surface units are responding Thursday to a vessel suspected of taking part in an illegal voyage that dropped-off a group of non-U.S. citizens offshore near Punta Arenas in Mona Island, Puerto Rico.

Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources Park Rangers on Mona Island reported recovering five bodies from the water and that there were 66 survivors, 41 male and 25 females, including two minors who are safely ashore. 

Coast Guard watchstanders received a communication at approximately 8:36 a.m. Thursday from U.S. Border Patrol Agents relaying a report from Puerto Rico Department Park Rangers on Mona Island who reported the incident.

Coast Guard watchstanders directed the launch of multiple MH-60T helicopter from Air Station Borinquen and diverted the Coast Guard Cutter Joseph Tezanos and the Coast Guard Cutter Joseph Napier to the scene. 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-