Category: US Coast Guard

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Coast Guard Cutter Heriberto Hernandez repatriated 58 migrants to the Dominican Republic, Saturday, following the interdiction of an irregular, unlawful migration voyage in Mona Passage waters near Puerto Rico, Thursday evening.   The migrants were transferred to Dominican Republic Navy authorities in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. The Coast Guard Cutter Reliance located and interdicted a grossly overloaded 35-foot makeshift vessel in international waters, approximately 50 nautical miles northeast of Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.  The cutter Reliance crew launched their over-the-horizon small boat, which came alongside the migrant vessel, where the crew provided life jackets to the migrants, before transferring them to the safety of the cutter.

Coast Guard crews rescued two boaters from a disabled and adrift vessel approximately 11 nautical miles north of St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, Sunday afternoon. Rescued are a father and son from the 35ft cuddy cabin vessel Kraken Up, after the vessel became disabled following an electrical fire onboard. Coast Guard watchstanders at Sector San Juan received VHF-Channel 16 Mayday transmission from the owner/operator of the Kraken Up reporting the distress situation. Watchstanders initiated the launch of a Coast Guard MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter from Air Station Borinquen and a 33-foot Special Purpose Craft-Law Enforcement vessel from Boat Forces Unit U.S. Virgin Islands to render assistance.

GARAPAN, Saipan, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands — U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam and Station Apra Harbor personnel teamed up with local rescue units and enforcement officers from the CNMI for an intensive three-day Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREx) in Saipan from Sept. 10-12, 2024. This year’s exercise brought together a robust team of responders, including members from the CNMI Department of Fire and Emergency and Medical Services, CNMI Customs and Biosecurity, CNMI Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and the CNMI Division of Fish & Wildlife, all working towards enhancing search and rescue capabilities, communication protocols, and partnerships within the Northern Marianas. “Seeing the growth and increased readiness of our local agencies over the past few years is truly inspiring,” said Chief Petty Officer Richard Hofschneider, a proud Tinian native and part of the Forces Micronesia Emergency Management and Force Readiness staff. “It’s not just about the drills; it’s about our community coming together. These exercises remind us that we’re protecting our homes, families, and friends—something we all take pride in.”