BOLO for 39 People Missing from Overturned Boat Bimini, Bahamas to Ft. Pierce, Florida

MIAMI — The Coast Guard suspended the search for the 34 people missing at sea, Thursday, at approximately 6 p.m., from a capsized vessel, pending new information.

A good Samaritan reported to Sector Miami watchstanders, Tuesday, at 8 a.m. that he had rescued a man from a capsized 25-foot vessel approximately 45 miles east of Fort Pierce Inlet.

The survivor was brought to a local hospital to be treated for symptoms of dehydration and sun exposure and was subsequently transferred to Homeland Security Investigations Special Agents for further investigation.

The survivor reported he left Bimini, Bahamas with 39 other people Saturday night and encountered severe weather, causing the vessel to capsize Sunday morning. The survivor also reported that no one in the group was wearing a life jacket.

Coast Guard rescue crews recovered five bodies during their search and rescue operation.

“Unfortunately, we have come to the most difficult time in any search and rescue case and that is the point at which we decide when to cease actively searching,” said Capt. Jo-Ann Burdian, Coast Guard Sector Miami commander. “After careful consideration of all available information including weather conditions, number of people that went in the water without life jackets, time elapsed since the date of the accident, and an unrelenting search in an area bigger than Massachusetts, it’s with a heavy heart that I have decided to suspend the search”

“On Tuesday, Jan. 25, the United States Coast Guard contacted HSI to advise they had initiated a search and rescue operation on a suspected smuggling venture involving the loss of life,” said Anthony Salisbury, HSI in Miami special agent in charge. “HSI immediately responded and opened a parallel criminal investigation while the search and rescue mission was ongoing. As of right now this is still an ongoing investigation being pursued by HSI and its federal, state, local and foreign partners.”

Coast Guard cutter crews began searching at approximately 8:20 a.m., Tuesday, and searched more than 10,500 square miles.

Crews helping with the search:

Coast Guard Cutter Ibis crew
Coast Guard Cutter Etheridge crew
Coast Guard Cutter Skipjack crew
Coast Guard Station Fort Pierce 45-foot response boat-medium crews
Coast Guard Air Station Miami HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircrew
Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater HC-60 Jayhawk Helicopter aircrew
Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater C-130 Hercules aircrew
Navy 2nd Fleet aircrew
Coast Guard Auxiliary Tiger aircrew

If you have any information or may have had a family member aboard this venture, please contact HSI’s tip line at 866-347-2423.

Broadcast Version For Maritime Mobile Service Network and Other Nets

USCG is searching for 39 people missing from a 25 foot vessel that overturned between Bimini, Bahamas and Ft. Pierce on Sunday January 23, 2022.

A good Samaritan rescued one person, Tuesday, from a capsized 25-foot vessel clinging to a capsized vessel approximately 45 miles east of Fort Pierce Inlet.

Keep a sharp lookout and report any sightings to RCC Miami.

Coast Guard continues searching for 39 people, good Samaritan rescue 1, off Florida coast

Editor’s Note: The Coast Guard Seventh District staff invites the media to attend a press conference, Wednesday, at 9 a.m., at Coast Guard Sector Miami, 100 MacArthur Causeway, Miami Beach, FL 33139.Media are requested to arrive Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. with credentials. Media must RSVP by 7:30 a.m. to 786-367-7649 to be given security clearance.

MIAMI — A good Samaritan rescued one person, Tuesday, from a capsized 25-foot vessel off Fort Pierce Inlet.

Coast Guard air and surface crews are searching and will continue to search throughout the night for 39 people between Bimini, Bahamas, and Fort Pierce Inlet where the survivor was rescued.

The survivor was brought to a local hospital for symptoms of dehydration and sun exposure.

The good Samaritan reported to Sector Miami watchstanders at 8 a.m. that he had rescued a man clinging to a capsized vessel approximately 45 miles east of Fort Pierce Inlet.

The survivor reported he left Bimini, Bahamas with 39 other people Saturday night and encountered severe weather, causing the vessel to capsize Sunday morning. The survivor also reported no one was wearing life jackets.

Coast Guard cutter crews began searching at approximately 8:20 a.m. and searched more than 1,300 square miles, about the size of Rhode Island.