Feb. 27, 6:00 p.m.
One of two overdue fishermen was rescued by Coast Guard MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter aircrew and a Good Samaritan vessel Monday after the fisherman was found stranded on Mona Island, Puerto Rico.
The second fisherman, Wilson Negrón, is still missing, while Luis Eliel Guerra, 29, was rescued after he was found by a Good Samaritan vessel stranded on ‘Pajaros Beach’ on the south coast of Mona Island, Puerto Rico.
Once on scene with the Good Samaritan vessel, the Coast Guard aircrew landed on Mona Island and safely embarked the survivor with the assistance of the Good Samaritans and Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources park rangers stationed on Mona Island. The survivor, who appeared to be weak and dehydrated, was transported to Air Station Borinquen in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, where he was received and assisted by awaiting local Emergency Medical Service personnel.
According to statements received from Guerra, both fishermen departed on their fishing trip Friday, the same day the vessel capsized. Guerra further explained that he last saw Negrón aboard the overturned vessel until the moment Guerra left the vessel and swam to shore. The circumstances that led to the vessel capsizing remain unclear.
“We appreciate the actions and communications of the Good Samaritan vessel that led to the rescue of Luis Eliel Guerra,” said Capt. José E. Díaz, Sector San Juan commander. “Our watchstanders and search and rescue units continue searching for Wilson Negrón, who remains missing. We pray for his family to have strength during this most difficult time.”
Feb. 26, 9:03 p.m.
Coast Guard air and surface units were searching for two overdue fishermen Sunday in Mona Passage waters off Rincón, Puerto Rico.
Overdue are Luis Eliel Guerra, 29, and Wilson Negrón, age not given, who reportedly departed from Rincón at approximately 4 a.m. Saturday on a fishing trip aboard an Aquasport center console, recreational fishing boat with one outboard engine. Guerra and Negrón were expected to return by 2 p.m. Saturday, according to the Coast Guard report.
Coast Guard watchstanders in Sector San Juan received a call from a 911 Emergency Service operator, who relayed a call from a man reporting the fishermen overdue, it said.
The fishermen were reported to be experienced in the area. They would typically fish near Desecheo Island, Puerto Rico and a common local fishing area approximately 40 nautical miles north of Desecheo Island.
Puerto Rico Police are assisting with the search. No personal belongings or signs of the overdue vessel have been sighted, the Coast Guard said.
Coast Guard assets involved in the search include:
- MH-60T Jayhawk helicopters from Air Station Borinquen.
- Coast Guard Cutter Heriberto Hernandez
- Coast Guard Cutter Richard Dixon
- HC-130J Super Hercules fixed-wing aircraft from Air Station Clearwater, Fla.
Anyone with information on the possible whereabouts of the overdue fishermen is asked to contact the Sector San Juan Command Center at 787-289-2041.
