OCTOBER 6, 2025 —A Coast Guard Air Station Borinquen Jayhawk helicopter aircrew rescued two people, Saturday, from the water off Shacks Beach, Puerto Rico.
Reportedly, after their boat capsized due to weather, the survivors saw three people make it to the beach in good health, one person was recovered unconscious and unresponsive in the surf, and one person did not resurface.
The search is ongoing for one person.
“A life was needlessly lost today because aliens took to the sea without regard for the weather or the seaworthiness of their vessel,” said Cmdr. Matthew Romano, chief of response, Sector San Juan. “This is why we stress not to take to the sea on unsafe vessels, and why we patrol continuously with our partners to secure, control, and defend the U.S. border and maritime approaches.”
A 911 operator reported to Sector San Juan command center watchstanders that seven people were in the water after a boat capsized off Shacks Beach at approximately 7:20 a.m. It was later reported the vessel capsized between 4 – 4:30 a.m.
The alien reportedly left Dominican Republic at approximately 8:30 p.m., Thursday.
Agencies participating in the search:
- Air Station Borinquen
- Coast Guard Cutter Joseph Tezanos
- U.S. Border Patrol
- Puerto Rico Police Department Joint Forces Rapid Action team
- Puerto Rico Office of Emergency Management
- Isabela Office of Emergency Management
- Aguadilla Office of Emergency Management
Small craft advisories have been in effect for the past few days producing hazardous marine conditions in the Mona Pass. The current sea state is 10-foot seas and 12 mph winds.
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Southeast District Public Affairs – 305-542-8127
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