Coast Guard Rescues 40, Recovers 2 Dead Off Mona Island

U.S. Coast Guard crews rescued at least 40 people approximately 10 miles off Mona Island on 28 Sep 2026 following the report of a capsized makeshift vessel. Two people were recovered deceased, and rescue efforts were continuing. The crew of Motor Vessel Tripiti reported to Coast Guard Sector San Juan watchstanders at approximately noon that they had rescued four people found in the water. Survivors said an estimated 60 people had been aboard the vessel. The makeshift boat reportedly capsized on 27 Sep 2026 at about 11 p.m. after a fight broke out on board and people were severely injured with a machete, forcing others to jump into the water and attempt to swim to Mona Island. None of those aboard were wearing life jackets. Multiple agencies joined the search-and-rescue operation, including Coast Guard Sector San Juan, Coast Guard Cutter Joseph Doyle, Air Station Borinquen, Air Station Miami, Puerto Rico Police's Joint Forces Rapid Action, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations, the Dominican Republic Air Force, and the Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources Ranger Corps. Mona Island, located in the Mona Passage between Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, is a frequent transit point for migrant vessels attempting the crossing between the two territories.