SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – A 68-year-old man reported missing by his Airbnb host was rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard after being stranded at sea for more than 24 hours, according to the agency.
The Coast Guard in San Juan, Puerto Rico, was notified on Jan. 9 that the man did not return to his Airbnb and that his daughter said he had gone surfing in the vicinity of Surfer’s Beach, Aguadilla.
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Multiple rescue crews searched for the man, who was found next to a surfboard while signaling to a helicopter crew.
“Due to surrounding rocks, reefs, and sea conditions, the location was inaccessible by foot or boat. The aircrew conducted a flawless hoist operation and safely recovered the individual aboard the aircraft despite difficult nighttime conditions and low visibility,” the Coast Guard said in a release.
The man was safely transported to an air station, where emergency medical personnel were waiting.
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“It was truly a team effort and I appreciate the responsiveness and professionalism of Coast Guard Air Station Borinquen, the Sector San Juan Command Center and our local emergency responders,“ Capt. Robert Stiles, the deputy sector commander of Coast Guard Sector San Juan and search and rescue mission coordinator, said in a statement. ”This case could have easily had a different outcome. We urge all mariners and anyone entering the water to have a plan, communicate your intentions with someone and wear all proper life saving equipment.”