Coast Guard Cutter Vigorous returns home after 51-day counter-migration patrol in the Windward Passage
PRESS RELEASE | July 1, 2025
PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The crew of Coast Guard Cutter Vigorous (WMEC 627) returned to their home port in Portsmouth, Tuesday, following a 51-day patrol in the Windward Passage.
Vigorous deployed in support of Operation Vigilant Sentry to advance the primary missions of safety of life at sea and deterrence of illegal alien ventures in known transit zones. Vigorous’ crew conducted maritime safety and security missions while protecting America’s maritime borders from unlawful entry.
Coast Guard, local law enforcement in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands to patrol for impaired boating during 4th of July weekend
PRESS RELEASE | July 1, 2025
Coast Guard and local law enforcement crews will increase boating safety patrols in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands during the Fourth of July weekend in support of Operation Dry Water, a nationwide effort to enforce boating under the influence (BUI) laws.
Boaters can expect an increased presence from the Coast Guard and local law enforcement crews on the water. The increased presence will include dockside safety equipment inspections along with boating safety boardings.
“We look forward to this 4th of July weekend and seeing people out in the water boating responsibly and safely,” said Cmdr. Matthew Romano, Coast Guard Sector San Juan chief of response. “Know that our crews will be enforcing BUI and safe boating laws and regulations so keep in mind, like you should never be out on the road driving your vehicle under the influence, same goes for operating a vessel in the water, if you do so, you will be endangering your life and the life of others.”
Coast Guard Cutter Kimball holds change of command ceremony
PRESS RELEASE | June 30, 2025
HONOLULU — The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Kimball (WMSL 756) held a change of command ceremony, Friday, in Honolulu. Vice Adm. Andrew Tiongson, commander of U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Area, presided over the ceremony in which Capt. Craig Allen relieved Capt. Robert Kinsey as Kimball’s commanding officer.
Coast Guard urges paddle craft safety in the Pacific Northwest
PRESS RELEASE | June 28, 2025
SEATTLE — With warm weather luring canoeists, kayakers and stand-up-paddleboarders onto Pacific Northwest waters, the Coast Guard is reminding paddlers to prepare for cold water, wear a properly fitted life jacket and carry at least two waterproof ways to call for help.
U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Eagle holds change of command ceremony
PRESS RELEASE | June 27, 2025
SAN FRANCISCO — The crew of U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Eagle (WIX 327) held a change of command ceremony, Friday, at Pier 17.
Capt. Kristopher Ensley relieved Capt. Jessica Rozzi-Ochs as commanding officer of the Eagle during the ceremony, which was presided over by Vice Adm. Nathan Moore, commander of Coast Guard Atlantic Area.
U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Stratton concludes joint operations with Japan and Philippine Coast Guards
PRESS RELEASE | June 26, 2025
KAGOSHIMA, Japan – U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Stratton (WMSL 752) departed Kagoshima June 20, following in-port and at-sea engagements with Japan Coast Guard (JCG), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and Japan government officials. This event marks a significant milestone as the first time the trilateral search and rescue exercise with the Philippine Coast Guard, occurred in a region outside the Philippine territorial seas, emphasizing the growing cooperation among the three nations.
U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Healy departs Seattle for months-long Arctic deployment
PRESS RELEASE | June 25, 2025
SEATTLE — The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Healy (WAGB 20) departed Seattle Thursday, beginning its annual Arctic deployment. The crew aboard Healy, a 420-foot icebreaker, will support two distinct high-latitude missions to study the formation and movement of sea ice and the pathways followed by Atlantic and Pacific waters in the Arctic, and ocean circulation patterns in the East Siberian and Laptev seas.
Coast Guard assists 2 boaters on Shell Island
PRESS RELEASE | June 24, 2025
CLEARWATER, Fla. — A Coast Guard Station Yankeetown boat crew assisted two boaters, Tuesday, after their vessel allided with a dayboard on Crystal River.
UPDATE 3: Coast Guard responds to vessel fire offshore Adak, Alaska
PRESS RELEASE | June 24, 2025
The Coast Guard has concluded its response to a fire onboard the cargo ship Morning Midas, which capsized and sank in international waters approximately 450 miles southwest of Adak on Monday.
The Coast Guard received notification that the vessel capsized Monday at 5:35 p.m. and sank to a depth of approximately 16,400 feet in international waters.
Coast Guard relieves commanding officer of Coast Guard Cutter Tampa
PRESS RELEASE | June 24, 2025
PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The U.S. Coast Guard temporarily relieved Cmdr. Walter Krolman, commanding officer of Coast Guard Cutter Tampa (WMEC 902), Tuesday.
Vice Adm. Nathan Moore, commander, Coast Guard Atlantic Area, relieved Krolman due to a loss of confidence in his ability to execute the responsibilities of a commanding officer. A thorough investigation is ongoing.
Coast Guard Cutter Campbell returns home after 62-day patrol in the Windward Passage
PRESS RELEASE | June 23, 2025
NEWPORT, R.I. — The crew of Coast Guard Cutter Campbell (WMEC 909) returned to their home port in Newport, Friday, following a 62-day patrol in the Windward Passage.
Campbell deployed in support of Operation Vigilant Sentry to advance the primary missions of safety of life at sea and deterrence of illegal alien ventures in known transit zones. Campbell’s crew conducted maritime safety and security missions while protecting America's maritime borders from unlawful entry.
Coast Guard Cutter Stratton Arrives in Kagoshima, Leads Joint Operations with Partner Coast Guards
PRESS RELEASE | June 20, 2025
U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Stratton (WMSL 752) arrived in Kagoshima, Japan, June 16 to conduct the first-ever trilateral operations between the U.S. Coast Guard, Japan Coast Guard (JCG) and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) within Japan’s territorial waters. This engagement builds on Operation SAPPHIRE, the U.S.-Japan Coast Guard bilateral effort aimed at strengthening interoperability to support maritime governance, peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
Coast Guard Cutter Argus holds change of command ceremony
PRESS RELEASE | June 20, 2025
The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Argus (WMSM-915) held a change of command ceremony, Tuesday, in San Pedro, Calif.
Rear Adm. Joanna Hiigel, deputy commander of Coast Guard Pacific Area, presided over the ceremony in which Cmdr. Andrew Pritchett relieved Capt. Tobias Reid as Argus’ commanding officer.
Coast Guard Cutter Valiant celebrated for over 57 years of service during heritage recognition ceremony
PRESS RELEASE | June 17, 2025
NAVAL STATION MAYPORT, Fla. — The Coast Guard held a heritage recognition ceremony, Tuesday, in Jacksonville to honor the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Valiant (WMEC 621) and recognize its more than 57 years of exemplary service.
The ceremony was presided over by Rear Adm. Adam Chamie, assistant commandant for operations integration and response policy, Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, D.C., and served to celebrate Valiant’s contributions to the Coast Guard and nation in the presence of cutter leadership, current and former crew members, families and friends.
Coast Guard conducts three separate tows Saturday
PRESS RELEASE | June 16, 2025
NEW YORK — Coast Guard crews from Station Kings Point, Station New York, and Station Sandy Hook conducted three separate tows for disabled vessels, Saturday. Click the link to read full release.
Coast Guard welcomes new commander to Sector Columbia River
PRESS RELEASE | June 13, 2025
PORTLAND, Ore. — Coast Guard Sector Columbia River held a change of command ceremony Friday morning at the Sector, near Swan Island in Portland.
During the ceremony, Capt. Anthony Migliorini relieved Capt. Justin Noggle as commander of Sector Columbia River.
Rear Adm. Charles Fosse, commander, 13th Coast Guard District, presided over the ceremony.
Sector Columbia River is one of two sectors within District 13 and has an area of responsibility spanning from the California-Oregon border to southern Washington, encompassing 420 miles of coastline. In addition, Sector members operate within the 33 ports along 465 miles of waterways on the Columbia, Snake, and Willamette River systems, extending from the Pacific Ocean to Lewiston, Idaho.
Coast Guard responds to overdue fishing vessel Seahorse in Cape Cod Bay
PRESS RELEASE | June 12, 2025
WOOD’S HOLE, Mass. — After an extensive multi-agency search for the overdue fishing vessel Seahorse led by Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England, the vessel was found off of Eastham in Cape Cod Bay on Wednesday afternoon. Click the link to read the full release.
Media Advisory: Coast Guard to hold change of command ceremony at Sector San Diego
PRESS RELEASE | June 11, 2025
Media Advisory: Coast Guard to hold change of command ceremony at Sector San Diego
SAN DIEGO — U.S. Coast Guard Sector San Diego is scheduled to hold a change of command ceremony in San Diego, Friday.
Who: Commander of Coast Guard Sector San Diego, Capt. Patrick Dill, Capt. Robert Tucker
What: Coast Guard Sector San Diego Change of Command Ceremony
When: Friday, June 13 at 10:00 a.m.
Where: Hangar 1 at Coast Guard Sector San Diego, 2710 N Harbor Drive, 92101 San Diego, CA
Media is asked to RSVP prior to the event by emailing padetsd@uscg.mil or calling (619) 252-1304. Please arrive no later than 9:00 a.m. at Sector with proper credentials and identification.
Coast Guard Air Station Borinquen receives new commanding officer in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico
PRESS RELEASE | June 11, 2025
Coast Guard Air Station Borinquen celebrated their change of command at the Base Borinquen aircraft hangar in Aguadilla, Wednesday.
In the ceremony, Capt. Jeffrey P. Owens relieved Capt. Lawrence D. Gaillard as Air Station Borinquen’s commanding officer before unit members, aviators, shipmates, partner agency representatives, family and friends, who witnessed the formal transfer of command authority from one commanding officer to the next.
Capt. Willie L. Carmichael, Seventh Coast Guard District chief of staff, presided over the ceremony in which he presented Gaillard with the Coast Guard Meritorious Service Medal (gold star in lieu of a third award) recognizing his achievements during the three-year tour.
Under Gaillard’s leadership, Air Station Borinquen achieved extraordinary success in executing 5,400 flight hours, encompassing 423 Search and Rescue missions with 1,088 lives saved, or assisted. His decisive leadership enabled the successful completion of 49 law enforcement cases, resulting in the interdiction of 729 undocumented aliens and the seizure of 51 million dollars in illegal narcotics.
Coast Guard Cutter Active holds change of command ceremony
PRESS RELEASE | June 11, 2025
The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Active (WMEC 618) and crew held a change of command ceremony, Sunday, in San Diego.
Cmdr. Earl Potter relieved Cmdr. Adam Disque as Active’s 31st commanding officer during the ceremony. Rear Adm. Joanna Hiigel, deputy commander for Coast Guard Pacific Area, presided over the ceremony.
Coast Guard, Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard, British Virgin Islands Royal Marine Police assist mariner aboard demasted sailing vessel
PRESS RELEASE | June 11, 2025
US Coast Guard, British Virgin Islands Royal Marine Police, and Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard air and surface units rescued a sole mariner aboard demasted sailing vessel in Eastern Caribbean waters northeast of Anegada, British Virgin Islands, Tuesday.
Rescued was French citizen Frank Rouvray, 58, who reportedly was on a voyage to the island of Saint Martin when the vessel became demasted, and the distress signal was transmitted to the Coast Guard.
Coast Guard interdicts 9 aliens near Alamitos Bay, Calif.
PRESS RELEASE | June 11, 2025
PHOTO AVAILABLE: A boat crew from Coast Guard Station Los Angeles-Long Beach interdicted nine aliens aboard a recreational vessel, approximately three miles south of the Alamitos Bay entrance, Sunday evening.
Coast Guard Cutter Stone holds change-of-command ceremony
PRESS RELEASE | June 6, 2025
NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. — The crew of Coast Guard Cutter Stone (WMSL 758) held a change-of-command ceremony, Thursday, in North Charleston.
Capt. Anne O’Connell relieved Capt. Jonathan Carter as the fourth commanding officer of Stone during the ceremony, which was presided over by Vice Adm. Nathan A. Moore, commander, Coast Guard Atlantic Area.
Correction: Update: Coast Guard responds to vessel fire offshore Adak, Alaska
PRESS RELEASE | June 6, 2025
Correction: This version has been corrected to state that the Morning Midas was located approximately 340 miles southwest of Adak. The previous version incorrectly stated it was located 340 miles southeast of Adak.
KODIAK, Alaska – The Coast Guard is continuing its response to a vessel fire approximately 340 miles southwest of Adak, Thursday.
Update: Coast Guard responds to vessel fire offshore Adak, Alaska
PRESS RELEASE | June 6, 2025
Editor's note: This version has been corrected to state that the Morning Midas was located approximately 340 miles southwest of Adak. The previous version incorrectly stated it was located approximately 340 miles southeast of Adak.
KODIAK, Alaska – The Coast Guard is continuing its response to a vessel fire approximately 340 miles southwest of Adak, Thursday.
A Coast Guard HC-130J Super Hercules aircrew from Air Station Kodiak conducted an overflight of the cargo ship Morning Midas Wednesday and observed the vessel was still on fire.
Currently, there are no visual indications that the ship is taking on water or listing, and the extent of the damage is unknown. Zodiac Maritime, the Morning Midas’s manager, is coordinating to send a team of salvage specialists to the vessel for further assessment.
The Morning Midas’s crew, who evacuated the ship Wednesday, remains aboard the vessel Cosco Hellas transiting to the vessel’s next destination with no reported injuries.
As of 4 p.m. Thursday, the vessel was located approximately 340 miles southwest of Adak.
The Seventeenth Coast Guard District has issued a Broadcast Notice to Mariners to notify mariners in the area of the situation.
The Coast Guard continues to work with Zodiac Maritime to coordinate recovery efforts of the vessel.
Zodiac Maritime’s public information spokesperson can be contacted via email at media@navigateresponse.com or by phone at 44-207-283-9915 or 65-6222-6375.
To receive the most current updates, follow @USCGAlaska on X.
MEDIA AVAILABILITY: Coast Guard participating in Harborfest 2025
PRESS RELEASE | June 5, 2025
The Coast Guard is scheduled to participate in Norfolk Harborfest 2025, which runs June 6-8 at Town Point Park, at the Downtown Norfolk Waterfront.
Norfolk Harborfest is a maritime festival run in partnership between national, state and local organizations to encourage public boating safety.
Coast Guard responds, investigates vessel fire in Fajardo, Puerto Rico
PRESS RELEASE | June 5, 2025
Coast Guard Sector San Juan marine investigators and Incident Management personnel responded, Wednesday, to a fire aboard the 75-foot motor yacht Emilia in Fajardo.
The vessel fire was successfully extinguished by local emergency responders, there are no people missing or injuries reported, and Coast Guard investigators are working to determine the cause of the incident.
Coast Guard Incident Management personnel are working with the Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources and other local authorities to assess the impact of any remaining fuel pollution in the water.
CORRECTION: Coast Guard responds to vessel fire offshore Adak, Alaska
PRESS RELEASE | June 4, 2025
Corrections:
Updated vehicle numbers are 3,048 total vehicles, with 70 being fully electric vehicles and 681 being partial hybrid electric vehicles.
Vessel is Liberian-flagged and U.K.-managed
The crew evacuated aboard a life boat, not life raft
Zodiac Maritime is the vessel's manager, not parent company
KODIAK, Alaska — The Coast Guard is responding to a vessel fire approximately 300 miles south of Adak, Wednesday.
Watchstanders at the Seventeenth Coast Guard District command center received a distress alert Tuesday at approximately 3:15 p.m. reporting a fire aboard the cargo ship Morning Midas, a 600-foot Liberian-flagged and U.K. managed cargo vessel with 22 crew members and reportedly carrying several thousand vehicles.
Watchstanders immediately issued an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast requesting assistance from vessels in the vicinity of the Morning Midas. Three good Samaritan vessels responded to the incident.
Watchstanders also diverted the crew of U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Munro (WMSL 755) to the area, directed the launch of a C-130J Super Hercules aircrew from Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak, and positioned an MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter aircrew in Adak.
All 22 crew members aboard the Morning Midas evacuated the ship aboard a life boat and were subsequently rescued by the crew of motor vessel Cosco Hellas, one of the good Samaritan vessels on scene, with no reported injuries.
The status of the fire is currently unknown, but smoke is still emanating from the vessel.
“As the search and rescue portion of our response concludes, our crews are working closely with the vessel’s manager, Zodiac Maritime, to determine the disposition of the vessel,” said Rear Admiral Megan Dean, commander of the Coast Guard’s Seventeenth District. “We are grateful for the selfless actions of the three nearby vessels who assisted in the response and the crew of motor vessel Cosco Hellas, who helped save 22 lives.”
The Morning Midas is estimated to have approximately 350 metric tons of gas fuel and 1,530 metric tons of very low sulfur fuel oil (VLSFO) onboard. They are also reportedly carrying a total of 3,048 vehicles, with 70 being fully electric vehicles and 681 being partial hybrid electric vehicles. This is based on reports to the Coast Guard and is subject to change pending the development of any new information.
The Coast Guard is working with the Morning Midas's manager Zodiac Maritime to coordinate recovery efforts of the vessel. Zodiac Maritime can be contacted via email at media@navigateresponse.com or by phone at 44-207-283-9915 or 65-6222-6375.
Coast Guard oversees fuel removal efforts from grounded vessel on Icacos Beach, Puerto Rico
PRESS RELEASE | June 4, 2025
Coast Guard Sector San Juan Incident Management personnel, working in consultation with local and federal environmental agencies, are overseeing efforts by specialized companies, Wednesday, to remove a pollution threat from a recreational vessel which grounded ashore on Icacos Beach in Yabucoa, Puerto Rico, Monday.
There were no injuries reported or signs of pollution in the water, however, the vessel owner reported there were approximately 110 gallons of gasoline onboard. The Coast Guard is investigating the circumstances that led to this vessel grounding.
Coast Guard launches 2025 hurricane season with focus on preparedness
PRESS RELEASE | June 4, 2025
PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The Coast Guard reminds mariners and residents of the Atlantic and Gulf of America coast to prepare for the 2025 hurricane season.
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30, with the peak occurring between mid-August and late October.
USCGC Storis departs on maiden voyage
PRESS RELEASE | June 4, 2025
The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Storis (WAGB 21), the Coast Guard’s first polar icebreaker acquired in more than 25 years, departed on its maiden voyage to safeguard U.S. sovereign interests in the Arctic and conduct Coast Guard missions.
Coast Guard urges boating safety ahead of salmon opener
PRESS RELEASE | June 3, 2025
The Coast Guard, alongside fellow federal, state and local agency partners will be actively patrolling the Northern California waterways during the recreational salmon fishery open period scheduled for June 7 to 8, 2025.
Coast Guard terminates 10 vessel voyages, including 8 illegal passenger-for-hire operations in Puerto Rico
PRESS RELEASE | June 2, 2025
Coast Guard Sector San Juan, Customs and Border Protection and Puerto Rico Police units and personnel terminated the voyage of 10 vessels with marine safety deficiencies in San Juan Harbor, Friday, and in Fajardo, Saturday, eight of which were conducting illegal passenger-for-hire operations.
“Over the past year, Coast Guard enforcement efforts resulted in voyage terminations for 30 illegal passenger-for-hire operations,” said Cmdr. Matthew Romano, Sector San Juan chief of response. “We value the joint collaboration between Coast Guard Station San Juan, Sector San Juan Marine Investigators, Coast Guard Miami Marine Investigators, Coast Guard Investigative Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations and Puerto Rico Police Joint Forces of Rapid Action in this effort to ensure vessels are operating legally in a commercial capacity and in compliance with federal marine safety regulations.”
Vessels El Lindo, Hibiki, The Ivy, Mama Juana, Ohana 2, Master Blaster, Avante and Serenity were found conducting illegal passenger-for-hire operations, two of which were found operating in violation of previous federal Captain of the Port (COTP) Orders. Vessels Tobias and Four Points were only cited for their respective marine safety deficiencies.
Coast Guard Cutter Diligence returns home after 61-day counter-drug and fisheries patrol
PRESS RELEASE | June 2, 2025
PENSACOLA, Fla. — The crew of Coast Guard Cutter Diligence (WMEC 616) returned to their home port in Pensacola, May 21, following a 61-day patrol in the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of America, where crew members conducted counter-drug operations and fisheries boardings to enforce U.S. federal law at sea and protect America’s maritime boundary.
Diligence deployed in support of Joint Interagency Task Force – South (JIATF-S) while underway in the Seventh Coast Guard District’s area of responsibility. Crew members worked closely with international and interagency partners to disrupt drug trafficking ventures in the Caribbean Sea.
Coast Guard District 13 transitions to new phone numbers
PRESS RELEASE | May 29, 2025
SEATTLE — U.S. Coast Guard District 13th is announcing a phased transition to new phone numbers for many of its small boat stations and shore-based units throughout the Pacific Northwest. These phone numbers are often used by mariners to obtain bar reports and local marine safety information.
The transition period will be from June 1st through December 31st. This change is part of a broader effort to modernize and streamline communications infrastructure within the U.S. Coast Guard.
U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Midgett holds change of command ceremony
PRESS RELEASE | May 27, 2025
The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Midgett (WMSL 757) held a change of command ceremony, Friday, on Coast Guard Base Honolulu.
Vice Adm. Andrew Tiongson, commander of U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Area, presided over the ceremony in which Capt. Brian Whisler relieved Capt. Matthew Rooney as Midgett’s commanding officer.
U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Stratton departs Philippines, commences months-long Indo-Pacific patrol
PRESS RELEASE | May 24, 2025
PUERTO PRINCESA, Philippines — The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Stratton (WMSL 752) and its crew departed Puerto Princesa, Philippines, Monday, after in-port engagements and visits with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), the U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of the Philippines MaryKay Carlson, U.S. embassy staff, and PCG District Palawan senior leadership. Stratton’s visit to Puerto Princesa marked the first international port call of their months-long deployment to the Indo-Pacific region.
Coast Guard relieves commanding officer due to loss of confidence
PRESS RELEASE | May 23, 2025
SEATTLE – The Coast Guard temporarily relieved Chief Warrant Officer Timothy Crochet as Commanding Officer of the Coast Guard’s National Motor Lifeboat School on May 23, 2025, due to a loss of confidence in his judgment and ability to fulfill his assigned duties.
CWO William Armstrong has temporarily assumed the duties as Commanding Officer of the National Motor Lifeboat School.
Coast Guard transfers 11 aliens to The Bahamas
PRESS RELEASE | May 22, 2025
MIAMI – Coast Guard Cutter Winslow Griesser’s crew transferred 11 aliens of mixed nationalities to Bahamian immigration authorities in Freeport, Bahamas, Thursday.
MEDIA ADVISORY: Coast Guard, partner agencies to hold safe boating press briefing ahead of Memorial Day weekend
PRESS RELEASE | May 21, 2025
MIAMI — The Coast Guard alongside Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, representatives from Biscayne National Park, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office and Fire Rescue, and City of Miami Police and Fire Rescue are scheduled to host a press briefing, Thursday, to emphasize and promote the importance of safe boating practices ahead of Memorial Day weekend at the Crandon Park Marina boat ramp in Key Biscayne.
Coast Guard repatriates 5 aliens to Cuba
PRESS RELEASE | May 20, 2025
MIAMI – Coast Guard Cutter Isaac Mayo's crew repatriated five people to Cuba, Tuesday, following their rescue by good Samaritans in the Yucatan Passage last week.
U.S. Coast Guard Barque Eagle to visit Los Angeles during Fleet Week
PRESS RELEASE | May 19, 2025
U.S. Coast Guard Barque Eagle (WIX 327) will participate in Los Angeles Fleet Week festivities during Memorial Day weekend, May 23 - 26.
Eagle will be moored at Berth 50/51 in San Pedro’s Outer Harbor, where it will offer free public tours during the following dates and times:
• Friday, May 23 (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
• Saturday, May 24 (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
• Sunday, May 25 (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
Visitors will need to join a digital queue and be assigned a time to get in line before their visit. They will then take a shuttle bus to the ship. For more information, go to the Los Angeles Fleet Week’s web page at: https://lafleetweek.com/events_schedule/ships/
Coast Guard Cutter Forward returns home after seizing more than $23M in cocaine during 79-day patrol in Eastern Pacific Ocean
PRESS RELEASE | May 19, 2025
PORTSMOUTH, VA — The crew of Coast Guard Cutter Forward (WMEC 911) returned to their home port in Portsmouth, Monday, following a 79-day patrol in the Eastern Pacific Ocean.
Forward’s crew deployed in support of Joint Interagency Task Force – South (JIATF-S) to conduct counter-drug operations while underway in the Eleventh Coast Guard District’s area of responsibility. Through detection, monitoring and interdiction efforts, crew members directly reduced the flow of illicit narcotics into the United States. Forward’s crew worked alongside additional units to include Coast Guard Cutters Kimball (WMSL 756), Thetis (WMEC 910), and the Coast Guard Tactical Law Enforcement Team – South (TACLET-S) to stop suspected drug smuggling while patrolling off the Pacific coast of Central and South America.
Coast Guard responds to, investigates reported pollution in San Juan Harbor, Puerto Rico
PRESS RELEASE | May 19, 2025
Coast Guard Sector San Juan’s Incident Management team is investigating and responding to an oil discharge from a legacy pipe structure between piers 2 and 3 in San Juan Habor, Monday.
The Coast Guard is working with contracted oil spill removal organizations and local government authorities to mitigate the pollution threat and clean up recoverable product.
“The source of the oil discharge is being contained and, while contained, will allow normal port operations to continue at Piers 2 and 3 as our investigation and response efforts continue,” Lt. Cmdr. Ray Lopez, Coast Guard Sector San Juan Incident Management Division chief. “We are actively pursuing coordination and planning efforts with the San Juan Municipality, the Puerto Rico Ports Authority, the Department of Transportation and Public Works, the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources, and the Cultural Department, among other entities, to resolve this situation in the interest of protecting public health and the environment.”
Update 4 and Final: U.S. Coast Guard safely tows Lucky Harvest to Guam
PRESS RELEASE | May 17, 2025
SANTA RITA, Guam — The U.S. Coast Guard safely towed the 47-foot vessel Lucky Harvest to Hagåtña boat basin arriving shortly after 8 p.m. on May 17, 2025, after it was located on May 16 with the two mariners aboard disabled 125 nautical miles west of Apra Harbor reportedly due to an electrical failure.
Coast Guard investigates 2 separate, unrelated vessel fires in Puerto Rico aboard ferry vessel Breezy Point and tanker Scot Stuttgart
PRESS RELEASE | May 17, 2025
Coast Guard Sector San Juan marine investigators and vessel inspection teams are investigating two separate and unrelated vessel fires in Puerto Rico on Saturday.
Both vessel fires were successfully extinguished, and there are currently no reports of marine pollution or reported injuries in either case. Pollution monitoring efforts continue.
“The Coast Guard is investigating these separate and unrelated vessel fires aboard the ferry vessel Breezy Point and the tanker Scot Stuttgart to ascertain the potential causes,” said Capt. Luis J. Rodriguez, Coast Guard Sector San Juan commander. “Each of these vessel fires warrant investigations to learn causative factors and prevent future incidents from occurring with potential risk to human lives and impacts to Puerto Rico’s maritime transportation and marine environment. I commend the crews from both vessels for their initial actions that led to the fires being extinguished, as well as the efforts of responding firefighting crews, which collectively led to preventing the loss of life and averting a more catastrophic outcome.”
Coast Guard urges preparedness during National Safe Boating Week
PRESS RELEASE | May 17, 2025
SEATTLE – In support of National Safe Boating Week, held from May 17 to 23, the Coast Guard 13th District urges all recreational boaters and recreational paddlers throughout the Pacific Northwest to exercise caution and become knowledgeable on water safety in preparation for the 2025 boating season.
Coast Guard rescues 3 boaters off Fort De Soto
PRESS RELEASE | May 16, 2025
CLEARWATER, Fla. — A Coast Guard Station St. Petersburg boat crew rescued three boaters, Friday, after their 29-foot boat capsized approximately six miles west of Bunces Pass.
Update 3: U.S. Coast Guard, partners locate Lucky Harvest west of Guam
PRESS RELEASE | May 16, 2025
SANTA RITA, Guam — The U.S. Coast Guard, with support from U.S. Navy and local partners, located the 47-foot vessel Lucky Harvest, carrying two mariners, which had been missing since departing Alamagan Island, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, on May 12, 2025, en route to Saipan.
Coast Guard encourages safe fun on the water during National Safe Boating Week, Memorial Day weekend
PRESS RELEASE | May 16, 2025
NEW YORK — As National Safe Boating Week kicks off May 17–23 and Memorial Day weekend approaches, the Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary are encouraging New Yorkers to get out and enjoy the region’s waterways — safely and responsibly. Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of the boating season across New York City and the Tri-State area. From the Hudson River to the East River, from Jamaica Bay to the open Atlantic, thousands of boaters, paddlers and beachgoers take to the water each year to soak in the season. While the Coast Guard remains ready to respond when things go wrong, the focus this week is on helping people have fun while staying safe. To view full news release, click the link above.
Coast Guard suspends search for kayaker near Dungeness Spit, Wash.
PRESS RELEASE | May 14, 2025
SEATTLE — The Coast Guard has suspended its search for a missing kayaker near Dungeness Spit, Washington, today.
Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound received a 911 call relay from Clallam Country dispatch approximately 4:30 p.m., from an individual requesting help before the call dropped. Attempts to regain contact with the individual were unsuccessful.
Coast Guard intercepts suspected maritime smuggling attempt off San Diego
PRESS RELEASE | May 12, 2025
SAN DIEGO — The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Terrell Horne interdicted 3 aliens aboard a 20-foot pleasure craft approximately two miles south of Point Loma, California, Saturday afternoon.
At approximately 2:40 p.m., Coast Guard Cutter Terrell Horne conducted a routine security boarding of a 20-foot pleasure craft. The vessel displayed no registration or documentation and none of the occupants had authorization to enter the United States.
Coast Guard interdicts maritime smuggling attempt near La Jolla
PRESS RELEASE | May 12, 2025
SAN DIEGO — The Coast Guard intercepted a suspected maritime smuggling attempt early Saturday morning after a vessel beached near Windansea Beach, resulting in multiple apprehensions. At approximately 4:40 a.m., crewmembers aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Sea Otter reported an unlit 24-foot cabin cruiser transiting northeast off the coast of La Jolla with several suspected aliens aboard. Sea Otter launched a boatcrew to investigate.
Coast Guard disables vessel after high-speed maritime smuggling attempt near Point Loma
PRESS RELEASE | May 12, 2025
SAN DIEGO — Coast Guard crews interdicted eight aliens Saturday evening following a high-speed maritime smuggling attempt near Point Loma.
At approximately 5:50 p.m., watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector San Diego’s Joint Harbor Operations Center observed an 18-foot cuddy cabin vessel traveling at a high rate of speed northbound, roughly two miles south of Point Loma. Watchstanders maintained visual contact using surveillance cameras as the vessel entered San Diego Bay.
A Coast Guard Station San Diego boatcrew, already underway on routine patrol, was diverted to intercept the vessel. Upon locating the vessel, the crew attempted to establish communication with the operator, who then immediately fled the scene.
Coast Guard suspends search for man near Westport, Wash.
PRESS RELEASE | May 10, 2025
The Coast Guard suspended its search at 8:40 p.m. Friday for the 44-year-old captain aboard the 68-foot fishing vessel, Captain Raleigh, where it sank near Westport, Wash.
Three people who were aboard the vessel were rescued from the water by a rescue boatcrew from U.S. Coast Guard Station Grays Harbor. The Captain Raleigh was underway Friday morning when the vessel master issued a distress call around 8:15 a.m. stating they were taking on water and the onboard pumps could not keep up.
Coast Guard terminates illegal charter vessel operating in San Diego
PRESS RELEASE | May 8, 2025
Coast Guard terminates illegal charter vessel operating in San Diego
A Coast Guard boarding team conducted a safety inspection of the vessel and discovered 11 individuals aboard. 10 passengers for hire and one serving as a non-credentialed crew member.
During the boarding, the Coast Guard determined the vessel was operating as an illegal small passenger vessel and cited the operator for the following violations:
• Failure to have a valid Certificate of Inspection (46 C.F.R. 176.100(a))
• Failure to employ an appropriately credentialed mariner (46 C.F.R. 15.401(a))
• Failure to have a drug and alcohol program (46 C.F.R. 16.201)
Coast Guard Cutter Eagle makes port call in Costa Rica
PRESS RELEASE | May 7, 2025
For the first time since 2008, the U.S. Coast Guard Barque Eagle (WIX 327) sailed to the West Coast, making its first-ever port visit to Puntarenas, Costa Rica, on April 27. The crew engaged with international partners and performed community service.
Coast Guard offloads $5.4 million in seized cocaine following drug-smuggling vessel interdiction off Puerto Rico
PRESS RELEASE | May 7, 2025
The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Joseph Napier offloaded approximately 725 pounds of seized cocaine worth an estimated $5.4 million to Coast Guard Investigative Service and Drug Enforcement Agency Special Agents custody in San Juan, Wednesday.
The interdiction is the result of multi-agency efforts in support of the Caribbean Corridor Strike Force. The Coast Guard Cutter Joseph Napier crew transferred custody of five suspected smugglers apprehended in this case, Dominican Republic nationals, to the Dominican Republic Navy off Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, Saturday.
“This was an excellent case that would not have been possible without the support provided by Customs and Border Protection Caribbean Air and Marine Branch,” said Lt. John M. Groen, Coast Guard Cutter Joseph Napier commanding officer. “Their flight remained on scene for several hours and communicated flawlessly with the pursuit team. I am so incredibly proud of the entire Joseph Napier crew’s outstanding performance. The interdiction highlights Sector San Juan and the Seventh Coast Guard District’s unwavering commitment to combat drug trafficking organizations and secure America’s maritime borders.”
Coast Guard halts 3 illegal passenger for hire vessels in Fajardo, Puerto Rico
PRESS RELEASE | May 5, 2025
A Coast Guard Station San Juan boat crew and Sector San Juan Marine Investigators halted three illegal passenger-for-hire vessels, Saturday, in Fajardo.
Vessels Hecht, El Lindo and Making Waves were found conducting illegal passenger-for-hire operations, one of which was found operating in violation of previous federal Captain of the Port (COTP) Order. Over the past year, Coast Guard enforcement efforts have yielded voyage terminations for 18 illegal passenger-for-hire operations.
“The prevalence of illegal passenger-for-hire operations in our area is a concerning and serious matter,” said Lt. Michael Robinson, Sector San Juan marine investigator. “Passenger-for-hire operations is a regulated activity. If you use your recreational vessel for this purpose without adherence to the applicable federal regulations, you could be subject to substantial fines and possible jail time. Our purpose is to protect passengers from this illicit practice and ensure the safety of boaters within Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.”
Interdisciplinary Engineering major now offered at CGA
PRESS RELEASE | May 5, 2025
The U.S. Coast Guard Academy has launched a new academic major. Interdisciplinary Engineering (IDE) prepares future officers for careers across a wide spectrum of Coast Guard missions. IDE is open to cadets beginning with the Class of 2028.
Coast Guard, federal partners conduct Multi-Agency Strike Force Operation at San Juan port facility
PRESS RELEASE | May 5, 2025
U.S. Coast Guard Sector San Juan and federal partner agencies conducted a Multi-Agency Strike Force Operation (MASFO) at one of the cargo container terminals within the Bay of San Juan, Friday.
The effort included the thorough inspection of approximately 105 containers, 40 vehicles and 30 Transportation Worker Identification Credential verifications in the San Juan Port area which yielded negative results for security violations, however, three containers were temporarily detained due to preexisting damage and improper blocking and bracing of the cargo.
“This MASFO is part of the Coast Guard’s strategic efforts to ensure the safety and security of containerized cargo shipments within our marine transportation system and is essential to ensure the safe flow of commerce between the continental United States, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and other countries in the Caribbean Sea,” said Lt. Cmdr. Carlos Ortega-Pérez, Coast Guard Sector San Juan waterways management division chief. “Our joint agency operations team checked container contents for any undeclared hazardous goods or anomalies which may pose a risk to personnel, port safety, or the environment.”
Coast Guard Cutter Alert returns home after 55-day patrol to counter illegal fishing in Gulf of America
PRESS RELEASE | May 2, 2025
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — The crew of Coast Guard Cutter Alert (WMEC 630) returned to their home port in Cape Canaveral, Friday, following a 55-day deployment in the Gulf of America.
Alert’s crew deployed under tactical command of the Eighth Coast Guard District to counter illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing in the region. During patrol, the crew enforced federal law at sea and defended the United States’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) by interdicting illegal fishing in U.S. territorial waters.
VIDEO/AUDIO RELEASE: Coast Guard seeks public assistance with hoax caller near Wilmington, N.C.
PRESS RELEASE | May 1, 2025
The Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS) and Sector North Carolina are seeking the public’s assistance with locating the individual responsible for making multiple false distress calls that are originating from the Wilmington, North Carolina area.
The calls are believed to have originated from the Leland and Brunswick areas in North Carolina and consist of individuals calling out for help with various locations and descriptions of their vessel or nature of distress.
Heroic Acts Inspire Future Leaders at USCGA
PRESS RELEASE | April 30, 2025
In late August 2017, a devastating tropical cyclone formed in Southeast Texas. As it gained strength, it became the first major hurricane to hit the area in more than a decade. Within a four-day span, Hurricane Harvey dropped 40 inches of rain and caused catastrophic flooding that led to more than 100 deaths.
Coast Guard Cutter Calhoun seizes over $74 million in cocaine interdicted in Atlantic Ocean
PRESS RELEASE | April 28, 2025
ATLANTIC OCEAN — The crew of U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Calhoun (WMSL 759) seized approximately 10,000 pounds of cocaine, worth an estimated $74 million in the Atlantic Ocean, April 12-13, 2025.
The seized contraband was the result of an interdiction in international waters in the Atlantic Ocean, and five suspected smugglers remain in U.S. custody pending prosecutorial disposition.
U.S. Coast Guard Academy earns second Carnegie Classification
PRESS RELEASE | April 28, 2025
The U.S. Coast Guard Academy is proud to announce recent recognition for excellence in technology, engineering, and science. The recognition from the 2025 Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education underscores the Academy’s continued leadership in providing high-impact, STEM-focused academic programs to prepare cadets for future service.
Coast Guard stops illegal charter violating federal order in Fajardo, Puerto Rico
PRESS RELEASE | April 28, 2025
A Coast Guard Maritime Safety and Security Team from Miami and Sector San Juan Marine Investigators terminated an illegal bareboat charter voyage, Saturday, in Fajardo, Puerto Rico.
The 55-foot recreational vessel Hibiki had 12 people onboard, 10 passengers for hire and two crew members, when it was found operating illegally as a bareboat charter off the Puerto del Rey Marina in violation of a previous federal Captain of the Port (COTP) Order issued on January 8, 2025.
“We appreciate the great work and professionalism demonstrated by the MSST Miami crew to stop this illegal charter operation,” said Lt. Brandon Taylor, Sector San Juan chief of enforcement. “Over the past year, Coast Guard enforcement efforts have yielded 15 vessel terminations, multiple violations, and four Captain of the Port Orders. Violating a Captain of the Port Order is a very serious matter which may include substantial fines and possible jail time. Our resolve to protect passengers from this illicit practice and ensure vessel operators adhere to federal safety standards and regulations is unwavering.
MEDIA ADVISORY: Coast Guard to offload more than $214 million of cocaine in San Diego
PRESS RELEASE | April 23, 2025
Who: Rear Adm. Joanna Hiigel, acting deputy commander, Coast Guard Pacific Area, U.S. Coast Guard, Capt. Robert Kinsey, U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Kimball commanding officer and crew, Mr. Brian Clark, special agent in charge, DEA, San Diego Field Office; Mr. Kevin Murohy, deputy special agent in charge, Homeland Security Investigations, San Diego Field Office.
What: U. S. Coast Guard Cutter Kimball (WMSL 756) crew to offload approximately 18,898 pounds of cocaine, with an estimated value of more than $214.3 million.
When: 9:00 a.m., Thursday
Where: 10th Ave Marine Terminal - 1800 Crosby Rd, San Diego, CA 92101
Coast Guard rescues man from cruise ship off Coos Bay, Oregon
PRESS RELEASE | April 22, 2025
SEATTLE - The Coast Guard medevaced a crewmember from a cruise ship approximately 15 miles offshore of Coos Bay, Oregon, Easter Sunday.
Coast Guard Sector Columbia River watchstanders received a report from the M/V National Geographic Venture at 6:38 a.m., Apr. 20, that a 30-year-old male crewmember was suffering from excessive vomiting and shortness of breath.
Coast Guard interdicts 19 aliens 23 miles west of Oceanside
PRESS RELEASE | April 22, 2025
The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter David Duren (WPC 1156) interdicted 19 aliens aboard a 25-foot cuddy cabin approximately 23 miles west of Oceanside, California, Tuesday.
At approximately 2:15 a.m., David Duren’s boarding team intercepted a cuddy cabin matching the description of a suspected human smuggling boat and discovered 18 adult males and one adult female all claiming Mexican nationality.