The Coast Guard MH-60T Jayhawk aircrew deployed the rescue swimmer, safely hoist one injured aboard the aircraft and transferred him to awaiting EMS perdón el.
U.S. Coast Guard photo.
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico. — A Coast Guard Air Station Borinquen MH-60T Jayhawk aircrew, Coast Guard Base Borinquen personnel, Border Patrol, and local agency responders conducted the rescue (medevac) of five people following a migrant voyage boat at Survival Beach in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
The five people who required medical assistance were transported to a local hospital by emergency medical services (EMS) personnel at the scene.
Coast Guard watchstanders at Sector San Juan received a communication from Puerto Rico Police Joint Forces of Rapid Action of a 30-foot vessel approaching the Aguadilla shoreline Wednesday morning. Due to the risks associated with the overloaded makeshift vessel approaching the rocky shoreline, a Coast Guard Air Station Borinquen MH-60T Jayhawk Medium-Range Recovery Helicopter aircrew was launched to provide rescue support as Ramey Sector U.S. Border Patrol agents, Coast Guard Base Borinquen, Puerto Rico Police and local emergency responders deployed to the scene.
Following landfall, Border Patrol agents confirmed that all passengers were able to disembark the vessel and that there were no people in the water. As a result of the difficult mountainous and rocky terrain, Border Patrol agents requested medevac (medical evacuation) assistance for two persons who were unresponsive and one other who sustained a leg injury.
U.S. Coast Guard photo.
The Coast Guard MH-60T Jayhawk MRR Helicopter aircrew lowered the rescue swimmer to the beach area who worked with Border Patrol agents to prepare a rescue litter and hoist one of the unresponsive patients aboard the aircraft. Following the hoist, the MH-60 Jayhawk aircrew transferred the patient to emergency medical services personnel at the scene. Ramey Sector Border Patrol Agents, Coast Guard Base Borinquen, local municipal emergency responders and EMS personnel recovered the remaining people who required medical assistance.
“This mission was a testament to the training, coordination, and dedication of our entire crew and our partner agencies,” said Lt. Ryan Marshall. Coast Guard Air Station Borinquen MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter commander of the case. “We commend the professionalism of our aircraft mechanic (hoist operator) and our rescue swimmer in the successful execution of a difficult cliff side hoist, which led to the rescue of a man in critical condition. I am incredibly proud of our team working alongside Customs and Border Protection U.S. Border Patrol, Puerto Rico Police, Aguadilla Air Traffic Control, and all other local agency responders to ensure this operation resulted in multiple lives saved.”
“We are grateful for the swift response and teamwork demonstrated by our Border Patrol agents, the United States Coast Guard, Puerto Rico Police, and local emergency responders during this challenging event,” stated Reggie Johnson, Chief Patrol Agent for Ramey Sector. “The safety and well-being of every individual involved is always our top priority, and today’s actions reflect the dedication and professionalism of all agencies working together. Our agents remain committed to protecting our borders and ensuring that those in need receive immediate medical attention. We thank our partners for their outstanding coordination, which was instrumental in saving lives and preventing further harm.”
–USCG–
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