Coast Guard and VISAR Coordinate Successful Rescue Operation near BVI

Three individuals were rescued from a distressed catamaran near the British Virgin Islands in a coordinated effort between the Coast Guard and Virgin Islands Search and Rescue.

The rescue operation occurred early Thursday morning, March 7, when the 33-foot vessel, known as the Quartz, ran aground on rocks near Horseshoe Reef, approximately six nautical miles southeast of Anegada.

As the Quartz began taking on water, its occupants issued a Mayday distress call around 4:25 a.m.

Simultaneously, the vessel’s Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) transmitted a signal, which was promptly received by watchstanders at Sector San Juan.

This alert prompted the Coast Guard to deploy a 33-foot Special Purpose Craft – Law Enforcement vessel from Boat Forces Unit St. Thomas and an MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter from Air Station Borinquen to the scene.

Virgin Islands Search and Rescue mobilized one of its marine units to assist the distressed boaters. The team successfully located the individuals who had abandoned the Quartz and boarded the catamaran’s dinghy.

Following the rescue, the boaters were safely transported to Tortola without any serious injuries or medical emergencies.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Victor Rodriguez Laboy, the operations unit controller for the incident, emphasized the importance of the Quartz’s registered EPIRB with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Laboy credited this proactive measure for expediting the search and rescue response, highlighting the critical role of safety protocols in maritime navigation.”

These adjustments help clarify some details and ensure consistency in terminology. Overall, your story effectively communicates the key information about the rescue operation.

Sourced: VI Consortium.