U.S. Coast Guard Sector San Juan

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27/10/2026

: A Coast Guard Air Station Borinquen MH-60T Jayhawk aircrew conducted a medical evacuation of a passenger from the cruise ship Star Pride, approximately 150 nautical miles north of Puerto Rico, Monday.

The patient, an 81-year-old man experiencing a medical emergency, required a higher level of care at a shoreside hospital.

Sector San Juan watchstanders initially received the urgent medical evacuation request from the Star Pride at approximately 5 p.m. Saturday, when the vessel was located roughly 900 nautical miles north of Puerto Rico.

After maintaining continuous communications with the ship and monitoring the medical situation over the weekend, a MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter crew launched to rendezvous with the Star Pride at 3 p.m. Upon arriving on scene, the aircrew executed a precision hoist operation to safely lift the patient and the ship’s nurse from the cruise ship.

Following the hoist, the crew transported the patient directly to the Centro Médico Médico Hospital in San Juan for advanced medical care.

"Air Station Borinquen and Sector San Juan train relentlessly to mitigate the risks associated with demanding Coast Guard missions like long-range medical evacuations," said Cmdr. Scott Verhage, Coast Guard Air Station Borinquen operations officer. "Our ultimate goal is to execute safe, highly efficient operations within a dynamic and unforgiving maritime environment."

Coast Guard Southeast District crews remain ready 24/7 to respond to mariners in distress, working alongside partner agencies to protect lives and ensure the safety of those on the water.



U.S. Coast Guard Southeast
U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Borinquen
Departamento de Seguridad Pública de Puerto Rico
Negociado para el Manejo de Emergencias y Administración de Desastres-NMEAD
Departamento de Recursos Naturales y Ambientales
NFURA

 -Final: Coast Guard Sector San Juan and partner agencies concluded the search for a teenager between the Punta Las Marí...
26/10/2026

-Final: Coast Guard Sector San Juan and partner agencies concluded the search for a teenager between the Punta Las Marías and Isla Verde shorelines on the border area of San Juan and Carolina, Puerto Rico, Monday.

Recovered deceased was Alejandro Vázquez, 17, a resident of San Juan after he reportedly was overtaken by the strong currents while swimming late Sunday afternoon.

“The loss of this young man is a heartbreaking tragedy,” said Capt. Luis J. Rodriguez, Sector San Juan commander. “Our deepest condolences go out to his family, and we are keeping them in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Puerto Rico has been facing severely hazardous maritime conditions for several days. We urgently implore everyone to heed the life-threatening rip current warnings and high surf advisories currently in effect, ignoring these dangers will only lead to more devastating outcomes. Finally, I want to express my profound gratitude to all the partner agency responders who mobilized so quickly and worked in seamless coordination throughout this search operation.”

Coast Guard watchstanders at Sector San Juan received a call from a 911 Emergency Service operator at 5:42 p.m. Sunday, who reported two persons in the water who had been overtaken by the currents. One of the people was able to exit the water, while the other continued in distress. Coast Guard watchstanders issued an Urgent Information Broadcast and directed the launch Coast Guard air and surface assets to initiate the search and alerted partner emergency response agencies of the distress.

Coast Guard and partner agency efforts continued until the minor’s body was located and recovered Municipal Emergency Management responders Monday morning in the water just off the Isla Verde shoreline near Punta Las Marias.

Coast Guard assets, partner agencies involved in the search:
- Coast Guard Sector San Juan Watchstanders
- MH-60T Jayhawk helicopters from Air Station Borinquen
- Coast Guard Cutter Joseph Doyle - Coast Guard Station San Juan
- Coast Guard HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircraft from Air Station Miami
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection Caribbean Air and Marine
- Puerto Rico Police Joint Forces of Rapid Action
- Municipal Office of Emergency Management San Juan and Carolina
- Puerto Rico Emergency Management Bureau
- U.S. Air Force Civil Air Patrol

Coast Guard Southeast District crews remain ready 24/7 to respond to mariners in distress, working alongside partner agencies to protect lives and ensure the safety of those on the water.



U.S. Coast Guard Southeast
U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Borinquen
CBP Air and Marine Operations
NFURA
Negociado del Cuerpo de Emergencias Médicas
Negociado para el Manejo de Emergencias y Administración de Desastres-NMEAD
Departamento de Recursos Naturales y Ambientales

  Coast Guard Cutter Winslow Griesser offloaded 489 pounds in seized co***ne and transferred custody of three suspects t...
20/10/2026

Coast Guard Cutter Winslow Griesser offloaded 489 pounds in seized co***ne and transferred custody of three suspects to Homeland Security Task Force San Juan law enforcement authorities at Coast Guard Base San Juan, Puerto Rico, Monday.

The contraband seizure and apprehension followed the interdiction of a go-fast smuggling vessel in Atlantic waters off Puerto Rico, Oct. 10, 2026. The seized co***ne is estimated to have a wholesale value of $5.5 million.

Federal agents took custody of the three men, including two Dominican Republic nationals and one Chinese national, pending further investigation.

“We are proud of our Coast Guard watchstanders, our aircrew and the cutter Winslow Griesser crew for achieving a successful interdiction,” said Cmdr. Matthew Romano, Sector San Juan chief response. “This interdiction demonstrates the proficiency of our operational crews and valued partners who work tirelessly to intercept deadly narcotics before they reach our shores, protect our citizens, and dismantle the criminal networks that threaten our region."

During a routine law enforcement patrol, the crew of a Coast Guard Air Station Miami HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircraft detected a suspect go-fast vessel transiting in Atlantic Ocean waters north of Isabela, Puerto Rico. Coast Guard watchstanders at Sector San Juan diverted the cutter Winslow Griesser to interdict the suspect vessel. Once on scene, the Winslow Griesser crew stopped the vessel, seized the contraband and embarked the three men who were aboard.

The Homeland Security Task Force initiative was established by Executive Order and is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operation in the United States and abroad.



U.S. Coast Guard Southeast
U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Borinquen
CBP Air and Marine Operations
US Border Patrol
HSI San Juan
Armada de República Dominicana
Departamento de Seguridad Pública de Puerto Rico
NFURA
Departamento de Recursos Naturales y Ambientales #

20/10/2026

The crew of Coast Guard Cutter Winslow Griesser repatriated 63 of 66 alien migrants to two Dominican Republic Navy vessels, Saturday, following the interdiction of an unlawful migration vessel voyage in Mona Passage waters, Friday.

Three of the interdicted aliens remain in federal custody facing further investigation and charges of illegal attempted reentry to the United States under 8 U.S.C 1326.

During a routine patrol Friday afternoon, the aircrew of a Coast Guard HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircraft detected a 30-foot grossly overloaded makeshift vessel, approximately 70 nautical miles northwest of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. Coast Guard watchstanders at Sector San Juan diverted cutter Winslow Griesser to interdict the suspect vessel and directed the launch of an MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter crew from Air Station Borinquen to provide overhead rescue support.

“I’m proud of my crew and the Coast Guard aircrews for stopping what could have been a treacherous journey for all onboard an overloaded migrant vessel Friday night,” said Lt. Alex Kearney, Coast Guard Cutter Winslow Griesser commanding officer. “They saved 66 people from a dangerously overloaded vessel attempting to transit across a vast ocean with little to no safety equipment and no regard to safety of human life at sea. These voyages are extremely dangerous, and anyone conducting illegal smuggling migrant ventures may be subject to prosecution and imprisonment.”

Following the interdiction, cutter Winslow Griesser rendezvoused with Dominican Republic Navy vessels Bellatrix and Acrux in the Mona Passage and completed the repatriation of 63 migrants.

Migrants interdicted at sea or apprehended ashore will not be allowed to stay in the United States or a U.S. territory. Furthermore, individuals who arrive unlawfully may be declared ineligible for legal immigration parole options and face repatriation to their country of origin or return to their country of departure.

The Homeland Security Task Force initiative was established by Executive Order and is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operation in the United States and abroad.



U.S. Coast Guard Southeast
U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Borinquen
US Border Patrol
CBP Air and Marine Operations

Armada de República Dominicana
Departamento de Seguridad Pública de Puerto Rico
NFURA
Departamento de Recursos Naturales y Ambientales

The crew of Coast Guard Cutter Winslow Griesser repatriated 63 of 66 alien migrants to two Dominican Republic Navy vesse...
20/10/2026

The crew of Coast Guard Cutter Winslow Griesser repatriated 63 of 66 alien migrants to two Dominican Republic Navy vessels, Saturday, following the interdiction of an unlawful migration vessel voyage in Mona Passage waters, Friday.

Three of the interdicted aliens remain in federal custody facing further investigation and charges of illegal attempted reentry to the United States under 8 U.S.C 1326.

During a routine patrol Friday afternoon, the aircrew of a Coast Guard HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircraft detected a 30-foot grossly overloaded makeshift vessel, approximately 70 nautical miles northwest of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. Coast Guard watchstanders at Sector San Juan diverted cutter Winslow Griesser to interdict the suspect vessel and directed the launch of an MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter crew from Air Station Borinquen to provide overhead rescue support.

Due to safety of life at sea concerns, the cutter crew safely embarked all the migrants from the makeshift vessel, including 55 men and four women who claimed to be Dominican Republic nationals, and six men and a woman who claimed to be Haitian nationals.

“I’m proud of my crew and the Coast Guard aircrews for stopping what could have been a treacherous journey for all onboard an overloaded migrant vessel Friday night,” said Lt. Alex Kearney, Coast Guard Cutter Winslow Griesser commanding officer. “They saved 66 people from a dangerously overloaded vessel attempting to transit across a vast ocean with little to no safety equipment and no regard to safety of human life at sea. These voyages are extremely dangerous, and anyone conducting illegal smuggling migrant ventures may be subject to prosecution and imprisonment.”

Following the interdiction, cutter Winslow Griesser rendezvoused with Dominican Republic Navy vessels Bellatrix and Acrux in the Mona Passage and completed the repatriation of 63 migrants.

Migrants interdicted at sea or apprehended ashore will not be allowed to stay in the United States or a U.S. territory. Furthermore, individuals who arrive unlawfully may be declared ineligible for legal immigration parole options and face repatriation to their country of origin or return to their country of departure.

The Homeland Security Task Force initiative was established by Executive Order and is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operation in the United States and abroad.



U.S. Coast Guard Southeast
U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Borinquen
CBP Air and Marine Operations
US Border Patrol
Armada de República Dominicana
Departamento de Seguridad Pública de Puerto Rico
NFURA
Departamento de Recursos Naturales y Ambientales

08/10/2026

A joint press conference held today at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico announced a federal grand jury has indicted three Dominican nationals in connection with a tragic maritime smuggling operation that capsized near Mona Island on September 28, 2026.

The disaster resulted in three confirmed deaths, and 12 individuals remain missing. A massive, coordinated search-and-rescue response was launched by the U.S. Coast Guard, CBP Air and Marine Operations, the Puerto Rico Police Department (FURA), and a good Samaritan boater, rescuing 49 foreign nationals from the vessel.

The investigation is being conducted in coordination with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico, CGIS, CBP AMO, U.S. Border Patrol and PRPD FURA.

“Thanks to the courageous effort of Good Samaritans and the swift, synchronized response between the U.S. Coast Guard, federal and local partners in Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic’s Navy and Air Force, 49 human lives were pulled from the sea after a catastrophic vessel capsize,” said Capt. Robert E. Stiles, Sector San Juan deputy. “Yet, the tragic recovery of three deceased individuals and those still unaccounted for stands as a grim indictment of unlawful maritime migration. This case is an example of our unified commitment to interdict these voyages, dismantle the transnational criminal networks behind them, and bring human smugglers

“Today’s indictment reflects the close coordination among CGIS, HSI, and our HSTF San Juan law-enforcement partners to pursue accountability for the alleged criminal conduct behind this devastating tragedy,” said said Special Agent in charge, Josh Packer, Coast Guard Investigative Service. “Human smugglers exploit vulnerable people for profit and place lives at extreme risk in one of the most dangerous maritime environments in the region. Drawing on the Coast Guard’s unique operational knowledge, maritime expertise, and investigative capabilities, CGIS works with our partners to carry operational responses forward into criminal accountability, prosecution, and deterrence. ”

The HSTF initiative was established by Executive Order and is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operation in the United States and abroad.

Read Indictment News Release: https://tinyurl.com/3rxscjvy

Read Search and Rescue News Release: https://tinyurl.com/yc8pe5vh

migration

U.S. Coast Guard
U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area Command
U.S. Coast Guard Southeast
CBP Air and Marine Operations
US Border Patrol
Departamento de Seguridad Pública de Puerto Rico
NFURA
Departamento de Recursos Naturales y Ambientales
Armada de República Dominicana
HSI San Juan

  - The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Winslow Griesser and two Dominican Republic Navy vessels rescued 61 alien migrant...
05/10/2026

- The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Winslow Griesser and two Dominican Republic Navy vessels rescued 61 alien migrants Monday morning from a grossly overloaded, sinking vessel in Atlantic Ocean waters off Dominican Republic.

All migrants aboard the sinking vessel were successfully rescued and transferred to Dominican Republic Navy rescue assets on-scene, their nationalities are yet to be determined.

“Thanks to the rapid response of the Coast Guard and Dominican Republic Navy rescue crews, 61 lives were saved from an overloaded, sinking vessel,” said Cmdr. Matthew Romano, Sector San Juan chief of response. "However, these dangerous and unlawful voyages are increasing, and our luck will eventually run out. Do not risk your life with ruthless smugglers. Choose safe, lawful migration pathways; if caught, you could face prosecution or immediate repatriation.”

At approximately 5:50 a.m., the crew of the Winslow Griesser detected a suspect, 30-foot makeshift vessel taking on water, approximately 12 nautical miles northwest of Cabo Ca**on, Dominican Republic. Cutter Winslow Griesser spotted the makeshift vessel while transiting through Dominican Republic territorial waters under our joint nation bi-lateral agreement to help deter unlawful maritime migration.

Upon arriving alongside, the cutter crew confirmed the makeshift vessel was rapidly taking on water and immediately began embarking the passengers. Coast Guard watchstanders also deployed an MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter crew from Air Station Borinquen to provide overhead rescue support, while a Dominican Air Force aircraft also responded.

Shortly after, the Dominican Republic Navy patrol boats Capella CG-108 and Algenib Ll-169 arrived on scene to assist with the rescue. Together, the crews safely embarked all 61 survivors.

Just last week a similar migrant venture capsized, dumping more than 60 people into the waters of the Mona Pass. A multi-agency response, including the Coast Guard, Customs and Border Patrol Air and Marine Operations, Puerto Rico Police Joint Forces of Rapid Action FURA, and Dominican Navy assets, which rescued 49 of the migrants and recovered three deceased. Several remain unaccounted for.

Migrants interdicted at sea or apprehended ashore will not be allowed to stay in the United States or a U.S. territory. Furthermore, individuals who arrive unlawfully may be declared ineligible for legal immigration parole options and face repatriation to their country of origin or return to their country of departure.

The Coast Guard along with its Operation Vigilant Sentry and Operation Bahamas, Turks and Caicos partners, maintains a continual presence with air, land and sea assets in the Florida Straits, Windward Passage, Mona Passage and Caribbean Sea in support of OVS. This multilayered approach is designed to protect the safety of life at sea while preventing unlawful maritime entry to the United States and its territories.

U.S. Coast Guard Southeast
U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Borinquen
CBP Air and Marine Operations
US Border Patrol
HSI San Juan
Armada de República Dominicana
Departamento de Seguridad Pública de Puerto Rico
NFURA

  The US Department of Homeland Security inaugurated a new joint facility Tuesday during a ribbon-cutting ceremony marki...
02/10/2026

The US Department of Homeland Security inaugurated a new joint facility Tuesday during a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking a major investment in CBP and Coast Guard operations and mission readiness in southern Puerto Rico.

The new DHS joint facility, in the Port of Ponce, will house US Coast Guard Resident Inspection Office Ponce and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations Ponce Marine Unit.

These units support CBP and Coast Guard personnel responsible for maritime safety and prevention, border security, inspections and law enforcement operations in the region.

“The Ponce Marine Unit plays a critical role in detecting, interdicting and responding to maritime threats across Puerto Rico’s southern approaches,” said Christopher Hunter, Director of the Caribbean Air and Marine Branch. “This new facility gives our agents the modern operational, maintenance and coordination space they need to work seamlessly with Coast Guard and local partners, strengthen border security, and protect the people and commerce that depend on a secure Caribbean maritime domain.”

The nearly $22 million project included demolition of the former facility, construction of a new two-story, 9,650-square-foot complex with dedicated office, training, operational, security and maintenance spaces. Additionally, the site features a 1,880-square-foot boat maintenance bay, improved pier and boat ramp infrastructure, upgraded utilities, parking, and emergency backup power.

The award, design and construction of this turn-key project was accomplished in partnership with CBP, AMO, USCG, the Coast Guard’s Facilities Design and Construction Center, the CBP Office of Facilities and Asset Management.

"This project is a tangible, long-term investment that reinforces Department of Homeland Security operational readiness and critical infrastructure protection across the Caribbean,” said Capt. Luis J. Rodriguez, Commander of U.S. Coast Guard Sector San Juan. “Our Coast Guard and CBP teams in this new facility can operate, communicate and coordinate faster and more effectively with local law enforcement and port partners strengthening our collective capability to secure waterways, support vital commerce, and safeguard the Caribbean maritime domain."

The DHS joint facility is immediately next to the United States Custom House in Ponce, the oldest existing customhouse in Puerto Rico. Built in 1841, this adobe building of the Spanish era is historically and architecturally significant and is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.

Expanding this regional maritime footprint, the U.S. Coast Guard assumed control of historic regional lighthouses near Ponce in 1933, including the Cardona Island and Caja de Mu***os Lights while the Port of Ponce itself served as a vital logistics hub during World War II.

Today, DHS, CBP, and the Coast Guard work together to secure the nation’s borders, safeguard maritime commerce, and support public safety throughout Puerto Rico and the surrounding region.



U.S. Coast Guard Southeast
U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Borinquen
CBP Air and Marine Operations
Departamento de Seguridad Pública de Puerto Rico
Departamento de Recursos Naturales y Ambientales
Negociado para el Manejo de Emergencias y Administración de Desastres-NMEAD
NFURA

  U.S. Coast Guard Sector San Juan has suspended the four-day search for missing migrants in the Mona Passage off Puerto...
01/10/2026

U.S. Coast Guard Sector San Juan has suspended the four-day search for missing migrants in the Mona Passage off Puerto Rico, pending new developments.

Following a tragic capsizing Monday, a multiagency, international effort searched for 78 consecutive hours, covering over 2,000 square nautical miles—an area larger than half the size of Puerto Rico.

49 survivors were rescued and transferred to Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and U.S. Border Patrol authorities in Mayagüez. Three deceased individuals were recovered and transferred to the Puerto Rico Institute of Forensic Sciences.

Initial reports indicate the majority of passengers are citizens of the Dominican Republic, along with at least two Haitian nationals.

"Our hearts go out to the families of those missing after this tragic capsizing," said Cmdr. Matthew Romano, search and rescue coordinator. "These lives were saved... due to the heroic, relentless, and coordinated actions of the courageous crew of a Good Samaritan, alongside our dedicated U.S. air, surface, and land assets, and our partners in the Dominican Republic Air Force and Navy. To anyone considering illegally migrating via boat to the United States — do not do it. Entrusting your life to these unscrupulous smugglers in makeshift, unseaworthy vessels is a possible death sentence."

HSI is currently investigating the criminal nature of this venture and working to confirm the names and nationalities of everyone involved.

Agencies, units and assets who participated in the search and rescue operations:

• Pleasure Craft Flipity
• Coast Guard Sector San Juan
• Coast Guard Cutters Joseph Doyle and Joseph Tezanos
• Coast Guard Air Station Borinquen
• Coast Guard Air Station Miami
• Coast Guard Auxiliary
• Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations
• U.S. Border Patrol Ramey Sector
• Puerto Rico Police, Joint Forces Rapid Action
• Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources
• U.S. Air Force Civil Air Patrol
• Dominican Republic Navy
• Dominican Republic Air Force
• Shield AI

Rico

U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area Command
U.S. Coast Guard Southeast
U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Borinquen
CBP Air and Marine Operations
US Border Patrol
HSI San Juan
Departamento de Seguridad Pública de Puerto Rico
Departamento de Recursos Naturales y Ambientales
Negociado para el Manejo de Emergencias y Administración de Desastres-NMEAD
Armada de República Dominicana
Negociado del Cuerpo de Emergencias Médicas
NFURA
Civil Air Patrol Puerto Rico Wing

29/09/2026

, 9/30/26: USCG, partner agencies & the Dominican Republic government continue the search Wednesday and through the night.

*** For any concerned family members who believe their loved ones may have been aboard the capsized vessel, contact the Consul General at 787-725-9550 or 939-204-2066 or [email protected] or [email protected]***

———————————————————————

Mass rescue update 🛟

49 people rescued, 3 recovered deceased.

Coast Guard Cutter Joseph Doyle is transferring the 49 people ashore to HSI and CBP for further investigation.

The survivors confirmed there were 62 people on the vessel and the search is ongoing for the remaining 10 missing people.

Sector San Juan crews and our maritime partners work in seamless coordination to deliver rapid lifesaving response every day.

*** For any concerned family members who believe their loved ones may have been onboard the capsized vessel, contact the Consul General at 787-725-9550 or 939-204-2066 or [email protected] or [email protected]***

Dirección

5 Calle La Puntilla
San Juan
00901

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