Coast Guard Rescues Two People From Water 25 Miles South Of St. Croix

ST. CROIX — The Coast Guard rescued two people Thursday from the water approximately 32 miles south of St. Croix, according to a release the Coast Guard issued Thursday.

The crew of the sailing vessel, Summer Star, notified Coast Guard Sector San Juan watchstanders at approximately 6:48 a.m., they had abandoned their sinking ship and were on a life raft in the water.

A Coast Guard Air Station Borinquen MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew arrived on scene, hoisted the two people and took them ashore to local emergency medical services.

“This rescue demonstrates the importance of having the right type of emergency equipment,” said Petty Officer First Class Andres Perez, the operations specialist who coordinated the rescue. “It was the EPIRB that notified our rescue center when the persons aboard did not have time to broadcast a mayday prior to abandoning ship, and because of the mariner’s preparation we were able to establish communication and coordinate a quick and successful rescue.”

Feature Image: A Coast Guard Air Station Borinquen MH-65 helicopter rescue swimmer grabs hold of a life raft April 12, 2018 approximately 32 miles south of St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. The helicopter crew rescued two people who had abandoned their sinking vessel. (Coast Guard)