Archive image: A Coast Guard Air Station Miami HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircrew during a search mission near Lake Worth Beach, Florida.
U.S. Coast Guard photo by Senior Chief Petty Officer Brodie MacDonald.
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico— Coast Guard air and surface assets conducted the rescue of two fishermen aboard a disabled overdue fishing vessel in Mona Passage waters off Desecheo, Puerto Rico. Sunday, March 15, 2026, at night.
Rescued are a 47 and a 22-year-old man.
Coast Guard watchstanders in Sector San Juan received a communication from a person who reported an overdue 23-foot pleasure craft with two people onboard, Sunday evening. The caller relayed two fishermen departed a boat ramp near Mayaguez, Puerto Rico Saturday morning en route to the La Corona fishing ground. Later that evening, the overdue fishermen informed the reporting source that they were having engine problems.
Sector San Juan watchstanders issued an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast (UMIB) to alert the public and vessel traffic in the area. Watchstanders diverted the Coast Guard Cutter Joseph Napier crew and an Air Station Miami HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircraft aircrew while the Coast Guard Cutter Thetis also diverted to search.
Shortly thereafter, the Coast Guard HC-144B Ocean Sentry aircrew observed a flare and two people waving their arms from a vessel matching the overdue vessel description, and they proceeded to vector-in the Cutter Joseph Napier to the location. As the USCGC arrived on scene 25 nautical miles offshore, the crew observed a flare being launched from a vessel. The cutter’s small boatcrew came alongside the vessel and confirmed the fishermen as the overdue. With deteriorating weather, heavy winds, scattered rain squalls, and seas building to eight feet, the USCGC Joseph Napier small boatcrew took the vessel in tow to Mayaguez, where the fishermen were received by awaiting family and friends.
No medical concerns were reported in this case.
“This case serves as a critical reminder for fishermen and boaters,” said Lt. John Groen, Coast Guard Cutter Joseph Napier commanding officer. “These fishermen were prepared, and because they were prepared, they made it home safely. If they didn’t tell someone where they were going, or if they didn’t bring flares, then they might still be in the middle of Mona Passage on a disabled fishing boat. The sea is unforgiving, so always be prepared.”
–USCG–
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