Photo: U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Matthew Morales | Public domain | Wikimedia Commons
Coast Guard Rescues 3 Federal Agents, 2 Boaters After Capsizes Off Puerto Rico
Off Puerto Rico, the Coast Guard rescued three federal agents and two boaters after two vessels capsized; the original overturned boat was about 22 feet long and was first sighted with two people clinging to its hull. Rough seas with roughly 10‑foot swells contributed to the incident and a CBP marine unit capsized while attempting the rescue, which Cmdr. Zach Geyer and Lt. David Tirado‑Tolosa described as a high‑risk situation in which the crew took a calculated risk.
📌 Key Facts
- Off Puerto Rico, two vessels capsized and the Coast Guard rescued 3 federal agents and 2 boaters.
- The original capsized vessel was approximately 22 feet long and had two people clinging to the hull when first sighted.
- A CBP (Customs and Border Protection) marine unit capsized while attempting to assist during the rescue operation.
- Sea conditions were roughly 10-foot swells at the time the CBP marine unit capsized.
- The capsizes and subsequent rescues were caught on camera.
- Lt. David Tirado-Tolosa and Cmdr. Zach Geyer emphasized the high-risk environment and described the CBP crew's actions as a calculated risk taken to save lives.
📰 Source Timeline (2)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time
April 03, 2026
11:10 PM
Coast Guard caught on camera rescuing federal agents, boaters after 2 vessels capsize off Puerto Rico
New information:
- Confirms sea conditions as roughly 10‑foot swells when the CBP marine unit capsized attempting the rescue.
- Clarifies that the original capsized vessel was approximately 22 feet long and had two people clinging to the hull when first sighted.
- Adds direct quotes from Lt. David Tirado‑Tolosa and Cmdr. Zach Geyer emphasizing the high‑risk environment for rescuers and the calculated risk taken by the CBP crew.