Cozumel, Q.R. — A Florida boater was rescued by the Mexican Navy after his engine failed, leaving him adrift. Navy personnel located Breezy Lee 70 nautical miles (129.6 km) east-southeast of Cozumel Friday evening.
Marina personnel set out in search of the boat and its one crew member after receiving a distress call for assistance. The 32-foot boat had lost propulsion Friday and began to drift out to sea.
The Mexican Navy, through the Cozumel Naval Sector, acting as Coast Guard, reported that personnel, in coordination with the Ocean Patrol Vessel ARM “Independencia” (PO-163), carried out the rescue the American man.
He was aboard a sailboat named Breezy Lee, without propulsion and adrift in the waters of the Mexican Caribbean, they reported.
“This action was carried out after receiving a maritime emergency report about a sailboat of approximately 32 feet in length, which had failures in its propulsion system and sail rigging, leaving it without the ability to navigate, approximately 70 nautical miles (129.64 km) east-southeast of Cozumel, Q. Roo.”
Therefore, and with the objective of safeguarding human life at sea, the ARM “Independencia” (PO-163) Ocean Patrol Vessel was deployed to provide support.
Upon area arrival, search operations were carried out and communication was established with the crew member in accordance with international maritime search and rescue protocols.
The sailboat was located, and the life of its crew member, who was alone on board, was secured. The rescued individual was then transferred aboard the patrol vessel, where he received initial medical attention and was found to be in good health and out of danger.
Once the crew member’s safety was ensured, maneuvers were carried out to tow the sailboat to Cozumel Island. Upon arrival, the American man was attended to by the appropriate authorities.
