On an uninhabited island in the Bahamas, a 64-year-old mariner found himself stranded for three days after his sailboat malfunctioned near Cay Sal.
Spanning 2,000 square miles, Cay Sal lies between the Bahamas, Cuba, and Florida.
On Friday, August 18, the Coast Guard Air Station Miami Auxiliary aircrew detected distress signals from the stranded sailboat. In response, the Coast Guard Air Station Miami HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircrew supplied the Bahamian mariner with essentials like food, water, and a communication radio.
After detailing his predicament, the Coast Guard Cutter Paul Clark proceeded to rescue him.
Following the rescue, the Royal Bahamas Defense Force took custody of the man to ensure his safety.
The mission’s success emphasized the need for appropriate safety tools, highlighted by Petty Officer 3rd Class Dev Craig from Coast Guard Sector Key West.