Archive image: A U.S. Coast Guard MH-60T Jayhawk assigned to Air Station Borinquen, carries an Aviation Survival Technician (rescue swimmer) during a joint training exercise at Ponce, Puerto Rico, July 18, 2024.
The 892nd Multi-Role Bridge Company, 190th Engineer Battalion, 101st Troop Command, Puerto Rico Army National Guard, conducted water rescue training with the Coast Guard, enhancing readiness and interoperability for emergencies and natural disasters.
U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Felix Ortiz Rivera.
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – A Coast Guard Air Station Borinquen MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter aircrew and a Puerto Rico Police marine crew conducted the rescue of three boaters (two men and a woman) from a grounded recreational vessel on Morillo Cay in Guayama, Puerto Rico.
The 19-foot recreational vessel reportedly was transiting at high speed when it ran hard aground ejecting one of the three passengers onboard, who sustained an open wound to his forehead.
Coast Guard Sector San Juan watchstanders received a call from a 911 Emergency Service Operator, at approximately 8 p.m., who reported the incident. Watchstanders directed the launch of a Coast Guard Air Station Borinquen MH-60T Jayhawk Medium-Range Recovery Helicopter aircrew to provide rescue assistance and alerted Puerto Rico Police Joint Forces of Rapid Action who responded with a marine unit. Watchstanders also issued an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast (UMIB) to alert vessel traffic in vicinity of the ongoing distress situation.
Once on scene, the Puerto Rico Police marine unit crew was unable to reach the cay and assist the passengers due to surrounding shoal waters. With amplifying information provided by the marine unit, the Coast Guard MH-60T Jayhawk MRR Helicopter deployed the rescue swimmer to assess the condition of the boaters. The Coast Guard MH-60 aircrew used their rescue litter to hoist the injured passenger and a rescue basket to hoist the other two boaters.
“The teamwork and coordination between the Coast Guard and Puerto Rico Police enabled us to successfully execute this mission and we are grateful for their partnership,” said Lt. Christian Welch, Coast Guard Air Station Borinquen MH-60T Jayhawk rescue helicopter co-pilot for the case. “This case emphasizes the importance of safe boating practices, especially while operating at night.”
The boaters were transported to the Mercedita International Airport in Ponce, Puerto Rico, where they were received by awaiting Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel who further assessed their condition.
–USCG–
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