Flares lead to rescue of man stranded for three days on Bahamas cay
18/09/2023
A man stranded for three days on a Bahamas cay has been rescued by US Coastguards after signalling with flares.
Coast Guard Sector Key West watchstanders were notified by a Coast Guard Air Station Miami Auxiliary aircrew one day in August of a disabled sailboat sending up flares near Cay Sal.
A Coast Guard Air Station Miami HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircrew located the man on the island. It dropped food, water and a radio. The man said he had been stranded for three days after his boat was disabled.
Sector Key West watchstanders diverted the crew of Coast Guard Cutter Paul Clark to rescue the man from the island.
Petty Officer 3rd Class Dev Craig, a Coast Guard Sector Key West watchstander, says, “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. Without seeing the flare, the case may not have had a successful outcome.”
The crew transferred the man to the Royal Bahamas Defence Force. He was reported to be in good health.
Source and image: USCG
