A 58-year-old mariner was rescued Monday morning after his 22-foot vessel capsized west of Guam, with the U.S. Coast Guard crediting the man’s preparation and use of multiple communication devices for the successful outcome.
The mariner departed Merizo at about 5 a.m. aboard the pleasure boat Solo 2 to fish near the Agat buoy and the 9-mile mark. Adverse sea conditions, including a high surf advisory and rip current statement in effect for Guam, likely contributed to the vessel capsizing.
At 10:22 a.m., watchstanders at the Joint Rescue Coordination Center Guam received an alert from the COSPAS-SARSAT system indicating the activation of the mariner’s personal locator beacon. The Coast Guard simultaneously received a distress message from the mariner’s GPS device reporting the vessel was sinking at the same location.
“The mariner’s quick thinking … made all the difference,” said Cmdr. Grant Johnson, the search and rescue mission coordinator, noting the importance of the man activating his beacon, sending a GPS message, informing others of his plans and remaining with the vessel.
Coast Guard Station Apra Harbor launched a 45-foot response boat, which arrived by 11:09 a.m. and found the mariner sitting atop the overturned vessel. He reported no injuries and no additional people aboard.
The crew transported him to Agat Marina, where family members and the Guam Fire Department met him. The Coast Guard issued a broadcast notice to mariners warning of the capsized vessel as a navigation hazard.
A high surf advisory remains in effect for north-facing reefs through 4 p.m. Tuesday with waves of 7 to 10 feet expected. A rip current statement also warns of dangerous conditions along north- and east-facing shores.
Boaters are reminded to file float plans, carry safety equipment such as PLBs or EPIRBs, and monitor marine conditions during hazardous weather.