In a swift and coordinated rescue operation, the Coast Guard and Virgin Islands Search and Rescue (VISAR) successfully saved three individuals from a distressed catamaran off Anegada in the [British] Virgin Islands on Thursday morning, March 7, 2024. Photo: VIC

Virgin Islands Search and Rescue was alerted to the emergency and dispatched one of its marine units to aid the boaters. Photo: Facebook/File

The rescue unfolded after the 33-foot vessel, named the Quartz, ran aground on rocks near Horseshoe Reef, approximately six nautical miles southeast of Anegada.

Upon striking the rocks, the Quartz began to take on water, prompting its occupants to issue a Mayday distress call around 4:25 AM. Concurrently, the vessel’s Emergency Positioning Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) transmitted a signal, which was received by watchstanders at Sector San Juan at the same time. This critical alert mobilised the Coast Guard to deploy a 33-foot Special Purpose Craft - Law Enforcement vessel from Boat Forces Unit St. Thomas and a MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter from Air Station Borinquen to the scene of the incident.

VISAR responds

In parallel, Virgin Islands Search and Rescue was alerted to the emergency and dispatched one of its marine units to aid the boaters. The team reached the individuals who had abandoned the Quartz in favour of the catamaran’s dinghy, securing their safety.

The rescued boaters were subsequently transported to Tortola, thankfully without sustaining any serious injuries or medical emergencies. The successful outcome of this operation was greatly aided by the efficient communication and cooperation between the Coast Guard and Virgin Islands Search and Rescue.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Victor Rodriguez Laboy, the operations unit controller for the incident, highlighted the significance of the Quartz's EPIRB being registered with the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration. Laboy praised this action for saving valuable time during the search and rescue response, underscoring the importance of such safety measures in maritime navigation.