Missing Man, 68, Found Alive After 30 Hours in the Ocean & There's Footage of His Rescue: Watch & Hear His Daughter's Emotional Reaction
A man who was reported missing 24 hours after he went surfing and never returned was rescued and reunited with his family, and his safe return from “hazardous” conditions was captured on camera.
In a press release, the United States Coast Guard confirmed that they executed a search and rescue mission for a 68-year-old man after he was reported missing on Friday (January 9).
The man, who was not identified by name, went surfing near Surfer’s Beach in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico on Thursday around noon. His daughter alerted authorities the following evening after he failed to return to their Airbnb.
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A multi-agency rescue mission was put into order with groups such as the Coast Guard, U.S. Border Patrol and the Puerto Rico Police Department collaborating to search for the missing father.
Approximately 30 hours after he went missing, they were successful in finding him alive.
“During their shoreline search, the helicopter crew spotted an individual matching the description of the missing surfer stranded on rocks outside Surfer’s Beach, next to a surfboard and attempting to signal the aircraft,” the press release read. “Due to surrounding rocks, reefs, and sea conditions, the location was inaccessible by foot or boat.”
The statement continued: “The aircrew conducted a flawless hoist operation and safely recovered the individual aboard the aircraft despite difficult nighttime conditions and low visibility.”
Captain Robert Stiles, deputy sector commander of Coast Guard Sector San Juan and search and rescue mission coordinator for the case described the rescue as “a terrific outcome.”
“It was truly a team effort and I appreciate the responsiveness and professionalism of Coast Guard Air Station Borinquen, the Sector San Juan Command Center and our local emergency responders. This case could have easily had a different outcome. We urge all mariners and anyone entering the water to have a plan, communicate your intentions with someone and wear all proper life saving equipment,” he continued.
The Coast Guard shared footage of the rescue on Instagram, noting that it took place amid “hazardous surf” and “low nighttime visibility.”
Alongside footage of the rescued man is audio of the Coast Guard letting his daughter know that he was found safe and was in stable condition.
“I’m sure he’s dehydrated. I’m sure he’s had a rough night, but he’s conversant,” Stiles told the woman, adding that her dad would be checked out by paramedics but was “alive and well.”
The daughter’s response to the news was simple but deeply emotional: “Thank you so much.”
Watch the rescue footage up top…