Coast Guard Saves 5 Stranded Boaters Fighting for Their Lives

U.S. Coast Guard saves the day! Five boaters were rescued just in time after their sinking vessel was overwhelmed by eight-foot waves. 🌐 #News #MiamiFL #Florida #Rescue

MIAMI, FL – In a dramatic high-seas rescue, the U.S. Coast Guard saved five stranded boaters fighting to stay afloat as their vessel was battered by eight-foot waves. The group—four men and one woman—faced exhaustion as they manually bailed water from the sinking Michelle Marie II after its pumps failed. Their desperate signal flares lit up the sky before help finally arrived.

Emergency Call Sparks Immediate Response

The distress began Saturday when the Coast Guard received an urgent call through a 911 operator and VHF-Channel 16.

The 18-foot recreational vessel had lost its pumping capability and was rapidly taking on water. As the crew struggled to stay afloat, they radioed that they were physically drained from hours of manually trying to save their boat.

The vessel was located near Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico, with dangerous sea conditions threatening to flip it at any moment.

Helicopter and Cutter Dispatched Amid Dangerous Seas

Acting fast, Coast Guard officials issued an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast, warning nearby vessels of the emergency.

A Coast Guard MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter was dispatched alongside the Coast Guard Cutter Joseph Napier, which rushed toward the distressed boaters.

Upon arrival, the Cutter Joseph Napier’s crew spotted two flares launched from the Michelle Marie II and deployed their Over-the-Horizon small boat. The Coast Guard team successfully rescued all five passengers and began pumping water from the sinking vessel using a P-6 pump.

Commercial Vessel Steps In to Tow Survivors to Safety

As the situation stabilized, the commercial salvage vessel Kraken arrived to assist. The survivors were taken aboard, and the Michelle Marie II was secured in tow. The Kraken transported them safely to Combate Beach in Cabo Rojo.

Miraculously, no injuries were reported.

Captain Warns of Dangerous Conditions

Capt. Robert E. Stiles, Coast Guard Sector San Juan’s Search and Rescue mission coordinator, explained how close the incident came to ending in tragedy.

“The situation and conditions on-scene could have caused this vessel to capsize at any given moment,” Stiles said.

Though relieved by the successful rescue, Stiles issued a stern caution: “Although we are very glad everyone aboard the Michelle Marie II is safe, we can’t overemphasize the importance of heeding small craft advisories and paying close attention to projected sea-states and weather conditions before going out to sea.”

Capt. Stiles praised the quick-thinking response and seamless teamwork that saved the boaters.

RELATED TOPICS: Accidents and Rescues | Florida | Puerto Rico