Video: USCG rescues modern-day Robinson Crusoes
Three people have been rescued from an uninhabited island in the Bahamas after a 33-day ordeal.
The USCG rescued three Cuban nationals from the isolated Anguilla Cay, Bahamas, on Tuesday after a 33-day ordeal. A Coast Guard Air Station Miami HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircraft spotted the castaways waving makeshift flags while on routine patrol in the area.
Anguilla Cay is located about 45 north of Cuba. According to the Coast Guard, the three had been sailing in the area when a storm overwhelmed their boat. They were able to swim to the island and survived by eating coconuts, conchs, and rats, and by drinking rainwater. A shelter made by the shipwrecked mariners can be seen in a photo released by the USCG.
The aircrew dropped them food, water, and a radio and a Coast Guard Clearwater MH-10 helicopter deployed to the uninhabited islet. Two men and a woman were hoisted to safety and transferred to Lower Keys Medical Center. They were uninjured.
Sean Connect, command duty officer at Coast Guard Seventh District, said: “Thanks to our aircrews diligently conducting routine patrols, we were able to spot people in distress and intervene… This was a very complex operation involving asset and crews from different units, but thanks to good communication and coordination between command centres and pilots, we were able to safely get everyone to a medical facility before the situation could worsen.”
#BreakingNews @USCG is assisting 3 people who have reportedly been stranded on Anguilla Cay, Bahamas for 33 days. An Air Station Miami HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircrew has dropped a radio, food and water. More to follow.#D7 #Ready #Relevant #Responsive #searchandrescue #USCG pic.twitter.com/D263ptTarz
