Coast Guard, good Samaritan rescue 13 from water off Key West. On July 6, the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Thetis crewmembers and a good Samaritan rescued 13 people—nine men and four women – from the water after their vessel capsized southeast of Key West, Florida. The crewmembers of the Thetis interviewed the survivors and reported they left from Cuba and their vessel capsized with 22 people aboard. The Thetis, along with the Cutter William Trump remained on scene and are continuing to search for the nine missing people. Learn more.
Coast Guard searches for missing person in the water near Culebra, Puerto Rico. Since July 7, the Coast Guard rescue crews have been actively searching for one of two male boaters who were forced to abandon a sinking vessel on July 5 in waters near Culebra, Puerto Rico. The missing boater is Darren Rodriguez Villanueva, a resident of Culebra. The other boater reportedly survived the sinking vessel by reaching Culebrita Island in Fraile, Puerto Rico. Learn more.
Unified command responds to aground cruise vessel near Canton, Kentucky: On July 9, a unified command, comprised of representatives from the Coast Guard, the State of Kentucky, Trigg County, and American Cruise Lines oversaw the disembarkation of passengers from the American Jazz cruise ship on the Cumberland River near Canton, Kentucky. Passengers were disembarked by pontoon boats, with rescue and assist boats nearby to ensure passenger safety. No damage, pollution or injuries were reported. The cause of the incident is under investigation. Learn more.
Coast Guard repatriates 23 migrants to Cuba. On July 10, the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Kathleen Moore's crew repatriated 23 Cubans following an interdiction approximately 15 miles south of Big Pine Key and a search and rescue mission off the coast of Key West, Florida. A good Samaritan reported a vessel with 15 people aboard to Coast Guard Sector Key West watchstanders. A Station Key West law enforcement boatcrew arrived on scene and brought the migrants aboard, and reported to be in good health. “Navigating the Florida Straits on a good day is difficult and unpredictable in rustic vessels,” said Lt. Cmdr. Mario Gil, Coast Guard liaison officer. “Daring these voyages during hurricane force winds and seas are treacherous and lives have a greater risk of being lost.” Learn more.