Coast Guard rescue 7 people from 2 fishing boats 65 miles off Costa Rica

ALAMEDA, Calif. — The Coast Guard rescue seven people Tuesday after two fishing boats sank due to a storm approximately 65 miles offshore from Costa Rica.

Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre Costa Rica notified the 11th Coast Guard District command center watchstanders at 1:30 a.m. of a 35-foot fishing boat, the Rio Bravo III, taking on water with four people aboard.

Due to inclement weather and distance offshore, Costa Rica requested assistance to rescue the people aboard the Rio Bravo III.

Watchstanders identified the Coast Guard Cutter James as the nearest asset, which was approximately 160 miles away from the Rio Bravo III’s reported location. James’ crew navigated the 160 miles through 25 knot winds, 10-foot seas and low visibility to arrive in the vicinity at approximately 7:30 a.m. located all four people on the stern of the mostly submerged boat, the crew inmediately launched an MH-65 Dolphin Short-Range Recovery (SRR) helicopter and a boat to rescue the fisher vessel crewmembers..

The James crew transferred all four people from the vessel to the Coast Guard cutter where the individuals were assessed by the cutter’s health services technician with one survivor reportedly having a foot injury that required further medical treatment.

Coast Guard rescue 7 people from 2 fishing boats 65 miles off Costa Rica, MH-65 Dolphin HITRON — Archive image: an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew assigned to Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron (HITRON) lands on the flight deck of the Coast Guard Cutter James while conducting hurricane relief operations in the Caribbean Sea, Sept. 6, 2019. During their 62-day counter-drug patrol, the James’ crew, along with members from Tactical Law Enforcement Team-South, HITRON, Cryptologic Direct Support Element and multiple partner agencies, contributed to the interdiction of 7 drug-smuggling vessels and were responsible for the seizure of more than 12,677 pounds of cocaine and 4,085 pounds of marijuana bound for the United States.
U.S. Coast Guard photo of Coast Guard Cutter James.

After rescuing the four individuals from the Rio Bravo III, Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre Panama reported a second capsized 26-foot fishing boat with three people aboard located 35 miles away. The James crew diverted to the location and at approximately 10:30 a.m. located and rescued three additional survivors.

“Due to the impressive capability of the national security cutter and expertise of the crew, James stood ready to respond, even in the most adverse conditions,» said Capt. Todd Vance, James’ commanding officer. «Persistent squalls, reduced visibility and choppy seas complicated the task of locating mariners adrift or clinging to the remnants of their sinking vessel. James crew demonstrated proficiency, versatility and determination in rescuing our fellow mariners despite adverse conditions on scene.»

The survivors were transferred to the Costa Rican Coast Guard Tuesday at approximately 6 p.m.

“The rescue of the Costa Rican fishermen is a fantastic example of international SAR coordination at its finest and demonstrates the importance of building strong relationships with our international SAR partners,” said Douglas Samp, an 11th Coast Guard District search and rescue mission coordinator. “These SAR survivors are going to have Christmas with their families because of the cooperation, training and dedication of all involved.”

The Coast Guard Cutter James is a 418-foot National Security Cutter home-ported in Charleston, South Carolina.

-USCG-

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@uscoastguard #Cutter James #rescue 4 from a fishing boat, the Rio Bravo III, that was found sinking approximately 65 miles off Costa Rica, Nov. 3, 2020. The James' crew transferred all 4 people to the #USCGC, where they were treated for injuries.@USCG video. pic.twitter.com/1OShMdamxP
— Hlcopters (@hlcopters) November 7, 2020