Coast Guard
Coast Guard rescues boater after vessel catches fire, sinks near US Virgin Islands
Stars and Stripes
June 1, 2026
A Coast Guard Boat Forces Unit U.S. Virgin Islands 33-Special Purpose Craft-Law Enforcement crew member inspects an overturned dinghy following the rescue of a boater south of St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, on Sunday, May 31, 2026. (U.S. Coast Guard)
The U.S. Coast Guard rescued a boater Sunday after a vessel caught fire and sank near St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.
The charter boat’s only passenger was transferred to Virgin Islands Fire and Emergency Medical Services crew, according to a service news release.
“A life was saved thanks to the prompt communication from the aircrew who spotted the vessel fire and the swift response from our Coast Guard units, St. Thomas Rescue and partner agency units to rescue and aid a boater in distress,” said Chief Petty Officer Adam Rice, officer in charge, Coast Guard Boat Forces Unit U.S. Virgin Islands.
An aircraft reported a vessel fire to Coast Guard watchstanders in Sector San Juan, Puerto Rico near St. Thomas. Watchstanders directed a Coast Guard MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter from Coast Guard Air Station Bornquen in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. Boat Forces Unit U.S. Virgin Islands and local emergency services also responded and searched for signs of distress.
The boater was eventually located floating and clinging to an overturned dinghy.
“A vessel fire is one of the most dangerous emergencies a mariner can face. We are grateful for the rapid response and the successful outcome,” Rice said.