Coast Guard Rescues Two Tourists Off Coki Point

ST. THOMAS, USVI — The Coast Guard rescued two divers in distress on Thursday afternoon. The divers, a 57-year-old man and a 21-year-old woman, were rescued from the middle of the channel just off Coki Point, St. Thomas.

The divers were spotted by the Coast Guard crew at approximately 1 p.m. during a routine patrol. The Coast Guard crew, operating aboard a 33-foot Special Purpose Craft-Law Enforcement, pulled both divers aboard and determined that there were no medical emergencies.

“The crew was proficient in spotting two divers in distress with no dive flag, and were able to get them out of the water quickly to avoid vessel traffic in the middle of the channel,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Andrew Koelle, Boat Forces Detachment Saint Thomas Coxswain for the case. “Both divers were physically exhausted and most likely would not have been able to swim to shore. This case serves as a reminder to make sure you have the proper safety equipment, especially a dive flag or buoy marker to ensure boaters can see there are divers in the water and keep a safe distance.”

The Coast Guard crew transported both divers safely back to Coki Beach.

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