DATE: March 27, 2009 3:42:10 PM EDT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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News Release

Date: March 27, 2009

Contact: Ricardo Castrodad
(787) 510-7923

Coast Guard Rescues 1 man, in waters off Boca Cangrejos, Puerto Rico

Four other persons survive, one is recovered deceased

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico -- A Coast Guard rescue crew from Station San Juan, pulled a man to safety after a 30-foot Beltran fishing boat carrying six passengers capsized and sank Friday morning in waters off Caballo Reef in the vicinity of Boca Cangrejos, Carolina, Puerto Rico.

One of the persons was recovered from the water deceased, while the remaining four passengers were reported having survived and being transferred to awaiting EMS personnel at the Puerto Rico Police Joint Forces of Rapid Action F.U.R.A. boat station in Boca Cangrejos.

Coast Guard Joint Rescue Sub Center controllers received a telephone call from a 911 operator who relayed a call from a man who was working at the Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport Traffic Control Tower where he was able to observe the vessel capsize throwing the passengers onboard into the water.

The rescue crew from a Boat Station San Juan response boat arrived on scene in eight-foot seas and safely recovered the sixth and remaining passenger of the capsized vessel.  The response boat crew transported the survivor to Station San Juan, where he was transferred to awaiting EMS personnel, who in turn transported him to a local hospital to receive further medical care.   

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the loved ones of the deceased.  This is another tragic reminder of the hazards of the sea," said Capt. Eduardo Pino, Sector San Juan Commander. "

 

 

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