Coast Guard medevacs snorkeler in distress in Atlantic Ocean waters north of Dominican Republic

02/07/2025 07:04 AM EST

A Coast Guard Air Station Borinquen MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter aircrew conducted a medevac for a snorkeler from the motor vessel Sea Hunter in Atlantic Ocean waters, approximately 70 nautical miles north of Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, Wednesday.  The snorkeler was a 70-year-old man, U.S. citizen, who experienced a near drowning event while snorkeling off the motor vessel Sea Hunter. “This mission presented a significant challenge, as time was of the essence and required meticulous planning of fuel, communications, and extensive coordination between Sector San Juan and the Sea Hunter crew,” said Lt. William Boardman, Coast Guard MH-60T Jayhawk aircraft commander for the case.   “Our team worked efficiently on scene to ensure a safe return to Puerto Rico. The patient was successfully transferred to Emergency Medical Service personnel and transported to a higher level of care. A huge thank you to everyone involved.”