Coast Guard rescues 2 people near Bay of Jacmel, Haiti

Jan. 31, 2025

MIAMI — Coast Guard aircrews located and rescued two boaters, Friday, approximately 46 miles south of Jacmel, Haiti, after their sailing vessel started taking on water. 

An Operation Bahamas Turks and Caicos Jayhawk helicopter crew arrived on scene and hoisted both individuals safely aboard the helicopter. The rescued were brought to Great Inagua, Bahamas, in good condition.  

An activated emergency position indicating radio beacon alerted Coast Guard District Seven watchstanders of the sailing vessel Malou’s distress. Watchstanders notified their counterparts with the Joint Rescue Coordination Center Port-au-Prince, Haiti, who requested assistance helping the boaters. 

“Our crew was able to hone in on the vessel’s position and quickly arrive on scene because the captain of the vessel activated his properly registered EPIRB,” said Lt. Warren Chan, Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater helicopter pilot forward deployed to Operation Bahamas Turks and Caicos. “The rescued had their life jackets on and were prepared for the worst before we arrived on scene. We commend them for boating as safely as possible and boating responsibly.”