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Press Release | Aug. 18, 2023

Coast Guard rescues man stranded on Cay Sal

Editor's note: Photos have been added to slide show.

MIAMI – The crew of Coast Guard Cutter Paul Clark rescued a man stranded on Cay Sal, Bahamas, Friday.

The crew transferred the man to the Royal Bahamas Defence Force in good health.

Coast Guard Sector Key West watchstanders received notification from a Coast Guard Air Station Miami Auxiliary aircrew of a disabled sailboat firing flares near Cay Sal.

A Coast Guard Air Station Miami HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircrew located a man stranded on the island and dropped supplies including food, water and a radio to establish communication. The man notified the crew he’d been stranded for three days after his vessel became disabled during his voyage. 

Sector Key West watchstanders diverted Coast Guard Cutter Paul Clark's crew to retrieve the man from the island. 

“We’re proud to have saved this man’s life. This case serves as a perfect example of why you must have the proper safety equipment on your vessel,” said Petty Officer 3rd Class Dev Craig, a Coast Guard Sector Key West watchstander. “Without seeing the flare, the case may not have had a successful outcome.”

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-USCG-