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U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam rescued 13 boaters on June 23, 2024, from a distressed vessel 13 nautical miles north of Guam.

The Joint Rescue Sub-Center in Guam received an urgent notification from Guam Fire Rescue and 911 dispatch that the 23-foot recreational vessel Helen was out of gas and adrift Sunday morning. The 911 call reportedly came from one of the boaters by cell phone.

Watchstanders diverted a 45-foot Response Boat-Medium crew from U.S. Coast Guard Station Apra Harbor, issued an urgent marine information broadcast, and requested aerial support from Department of Defense partners.

The RB-M crew took all 13 people aboard. The group was ten women and three men. Several were severely seasick, and one was severely dehydrated, so the coxswain recommended immediate transport to Hagåtña Small Boat Basin for medical evaluation.

The Helen was left adrift, and watchstanders issued a hazard to navigation broadcast. The survivors were met at Hagåtña by partner agency officials, seen by Guam Fire Rescue crews, and refused treatment.

Law enforcement confirmed the survivors were reportedly nationals of the People's Republic of China. Agencies notified included the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Guam Customs and Quarantine Agency, and Guam Police Department.

Weather during the rescue was east winds at 15 knots, seas around 3 feet with 4-foot swells, and no watches or warnings in effect.