Coast Guard Rescues Five After Two Boats Capsize Off PR

Multi-Agency Rescue After Two Vessels Capsize Near Puerto Rico

A dramatic multi-agency maritime rescue operation unfolded off Isla de Cabras in Toa Baja on Tuesday night, April 1, 2026, after two vessels capsized in rough seas, leaving five people — including three federal agents — in danger in 10-foot swells. All five individuals were ultimately rescued safely through a coordinated effort involving the US Coast Guard, US Customs and Border Protection Caribbean Air and Marine Branch, and Puerto Rico Police Joint Forces of Rapid Action.

The Sequence of Events

Coast Guard watchstanders at Sector San Juan received notification of the first capsized vessel — a 22-foot boat — just after 9 p.m., triggering an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast to vessel traffic in the area. A good Samaritan reported sighting two people clinging to the capsized vessel and provided a position for rescue crews. As a CBP marine unit approached the distressed boaters through 10-foot swells to attempt a rescue, their own vessel also capsized, throwing three CBP Caribbean Air and Marine Operations agents into the water. A Coast Guard MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter was launched from Air Station San Juan, alongside a Puerto Rico Police helicopter, to respond to the now-expanded emergency.

Puerto Rico police helicopter crews rescued one boater and one CBP agent and transported them to Isla de Cabras. The Coast Guard aircrew then deployed their rescue swimmer and hoisted the remaining three individuals — two CBP agents and the second boater — to safety. All five survivors were transported to Fernando Luis Ribas Dominicci Airport in San Juan, where Puerto Rico Emergency Medical Service personnel treated them for minor injuries. Coast Guard Air Station helicopter commander Lt. David Tirado-Tolosa described the mission as a clear demonstration of the high-risk environment that rescue professionals face in Puerto Rican waters. Sector San Juan Commander Zach Geyer praised the "courageous effort" of the CBP crew who risked their own safety to assist the initial casualties.