Coast Guard rescues pilot of downed aircraft off of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – The crew of a Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin rescue helicopter rescued the pilot of a downed aircraft Wednesday afternoon, approximately one nautical mile west of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico.

The crew of the Coast Guard Air Station Borinquen helicopter was flying a law enforcement mission in the vicinity, when they heard a mayday call from the pilot of the distressed Piper PA-32 Navajo twin-engine aircraft.

The helicopter crew responded and arrived on-scene as the pilot exited the downed aircraft that was starting to sink. The helicopter crew deployed their rescue swimmer and hoisted the pilot safely onboard using a rescue basket.

The rescued pilot was subsequently transported to Air Station Borinquen, Aguadilla, where he was transferred to awaiting Emergency Medical Services personnel.