USCG Rescues 40, Recovers Two Deceased Off Mona Island

US Coast Guard (USCG) crews have rescued at least 40 people and recovered two deceased individuals following the capsizing of a makeshift vessel approximately 10 miles off Mona Island. Rescue efforts were ongoing as of Monday, 28 September 2026, according to a report by MarineLink / Maritime Reporter.

The incident began when crew members of the Motor Vessel Tripiti reported to Coast Guard Sector San Juan watchstanders at approximately noon on Monday that they had rescued four people from the water. These survivors indicated that an estimated 60 people had been aboard the vessel.

Vessel Capsizing Details

The makeshift vessel reportedly capsized on Sunday, 27 September 2026, at about 11 p.m. This occurred after a fight broke out on board, during which individuals were severely injured by a machete. The altercation led to people jumping into the water and attempting to swim towards Mona Island. No individuals on board were wearing life jackets when the incident occurred.

Ongoing Rescue Operations

Units involved in the search and rescue operations include the Sector San Juan Coast Guard Cutter Joseph Doyle, Air Station Borinquen, and Air Station Miami. Additional support is being provided by the Puerto Rico Police Joint Forces Rapid Action, Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations, the Dominican Republic Air Force, and the Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources Ranger Corps.