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Three boaters on the 22-foot vessel Machalek were assisted off Agat, Guam, on Jan. 4, 2023, after their boat began taking on water in poor weather. Strong winds were producing 8 to 10-foot waves.

U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam Joint Rescue Sub-Center watchstanders were notified by the Guam Fire Department that the recreational vessel was in trouble while returning from a fishing trip at Galvez Banks. The boaters did not have a marine-band VHF radio and had intermittent cellular service.

A U.S. Coast Guard Station Apra Harbor 45-foot Response Boat-Medium crew found Machalek about 15 miles off Agat and escorted those aboard to Agat Marina. Watchstanders also requested support from U.S. Navy Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 25, which launched an MH-60 Knighthawk and prepared a second helicopter, while Guam Fire Dispatch sent a vessel and the Coast Guard issued an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast.

The Station Apra Harbor crew was alongside the vessel within 30 minutes. The broadcast was canceled, HSC-25 stood down, and the boaters arrived safely at Agat Marina about an hour later. A post-search and rescue boarding found all required equipment aboard.

Guam Fire Department partners also rescued two distressed water sports enthusiasts in Hagåtña Bay outside the reef line Saturday. A third person made it back to shore on their own, and there were no injuries.

A rip current statement and high surf advisory were in effect through Sunday evening for Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, with a small craft advisory for Saipan and Tinian.