SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – A Coast Guard aircrew, in coordination local emergency management, assisted a 59-year-old woman who fell from a horse at Survivors Beach in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, Wednesday.
The rescued woman was taking part in an equine tour ride with her husband when she fell off her horse and appeared to be disoriented, dehydrated, and in need of assistance.
Coast Guard watchstanders at Air Station Borinquen received a communication at approximately 6 p.m. from the equine tour guide on-scene, who reported the situation. Watchstanders, following coordination with local emergency management authorities, directed the launch of Coast Guard MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter from Air Station Borinquen to provide rescue assistance due to nightfall setting-in, the rough terrain and the remote location of the incident.
Once on scene, the Coast Guard aircrew lowered the aircraft rescue swimmer to assess the woman’s condition and utilized a rescue basket to safely hoist the woman aboard the aircraft.
“Thanks to the outstanding coordination of our Operations Duty Officer, the crew of 6038 was able to rapidly transition from training flight to response mode,” said Lt. Luke Dewhirst, MH-60T Jayhawk aircraft commander for the case. “The positive outcome of this case is a testament to the hours of hard work and training conducted by our crews every day. We are thankful that we were notified and able to assist in this way. It is always a privilege to serve our community here in Puerto Rico and wherever we are needed.”
The woman was transported to Air Station Borinquen, where she was received and treated by local Emergency Medical Services personnel.
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