A Coast Guard crew in San Juan assisted a U.S and a Norwegian boater during a stern tow of the dismasted sailing vessel Mare Feb. 2, 2023 in Atlantic Ocean waters, approximately 30 nautical miles north of Arecibo, Puerto Rico. By. U.S. COAST GUARD
Two boaters whose 30-foot sailboat lost its mast while they were en- route from Bahamas to Puerto Rico have been rescued by the United States Coast Guard.
USCG Sector San Juan reported receiving a Mayday signal via the international distress frequency, VHF Channel 16, at about 1pm February 2. A MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter and a 45-foot response boat were deployed to locate the distressed vessel, which was approximately 30 miles north of Arecibo in Puerto Rico.
They found the vessel with its mast broken and trailing in the water, which according to Petty Officer 2nd class David Rodriguez "created a dangerous situation."
The helicopter crew escorted the vessel until the USCG boat crew were able to attach "Mare" to the stern of their rescue boat and tow it to safety in Arecibo. The sailors, one American and the other Norwegian, were unharmed.
"The training we do each and every day allowed us to assess the seaworthiness of the vessel and conduct a tow in unfavorable sea conditions,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Rodríguez. "The crew did a great job throughout the evolution. We are all happy that everyone is safe.”
