The crew of a Coast Guard MH-65D Dolphin rescue helicopter from Air Station Borinquen rescued a man Oct. 27, 2015, who fell approximately 100 feet into the water from the sugar pier in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. The man sustained a leg injury and was hoisted by litter to Emergency Medical Service personnel on scene for further transport to a local hospital. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Ricardo Castrodad)
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — The crew of a Coast Guard MH-65D Dolphin helicopter rescued a man Tuesday who fell approximately 100 feet into the water from the sugar pier in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico.
The man reportedly sustained a leg injury during his fall which complicated his recovery by emergency response personnel ashore.
Coast Guard watchstanders in Sector San Juan received a call from a 911 emergency operator, who reported the incident to the Coast Guard. Two Coast Guard helicopters from Air Station Borinquen in Aguadilla diverted from a training flight and responded to the case. Puerto Rico Emergency Management personnel and Puerto Rico Police also responded.
Upon arriving on scene, the crew of the first Coast Guard helicopter maintained vigilance over the person in the water as the second helicopter arrived on scene with a rescue swimmer and litter onboard. The second helicopter deployed their rescue swimmer, who placed and secured the man on the aircraft litter. The helicopter hoisted the man from the water and transferred him to Emergency Medical Service personnel on scene for further transport to a local hospital.
"Proficiency and opportunity allowed us to save a life today, and saving lives is why we love our job," said Cmdr. Flip Capistrano, Air Station Borinquen executive officer/MH65D Dolphin helicopter aircraft commander.