Coast Guard swimmer rescues 16 from capsized boat off Mexico

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 23 Oct, 22:02 · Archive

A U.S. Coast Guard rescue swimmer rescued 16 people from a capsized boat 140 miles off Mexico's Baja California coast.

A U.S. Coast Guard rescue swimmer spent nearly two hours in the water rescuing 16 survivors after a boat capsized some 140 miles off Mexico's Baja California coast on 16 October. Josh Law, 24, was lowered from a helicopter into rough Pacific waters with waves of 6 to 8 feet and near-total darkness, unable to hear or see clearly. He followed the helicopter's searchlight as his only guide.

Law was the sole person in the water during the operation. The boat, which was on a route frequented by migrant smuggling boats, had more than two dozen people aboard when it capsized. In his first interview since the rescue, Law said: 'I was experiencing exhaustion at that point. We had very little sleep. But what I was experiencing was nothing compared to what they were at that point.' He emphasised he had to maintain focus on the task ahead.

Elevn others from the boat were never found, and the Coast Guard called off its search late on Sunday.

How it is being reported

• AP Interview: Coast Guard swimmer says he fought waves, darkness to rescue 16 people from oceanA U.S. Coast Guard rescue swimmer spent nearly two hours in the water as his team rescued 16 survivors from a boat wreck off Mexico's Baja California coast.Clickorlando · 23 Oct, 21:29
• AP Interview: Coast Guard swimmer says he fought waves, darkness to rescue 16 people from oceanA U.S. Coast Guard rescue swimmer spent nearly two hours in the water as his team rescued 16 survivors from a boat wreck off Mexico's Baja California coast.News4Jax · 23 Oct, 21:29

In this story: Josh Law · U.S. Coast Guard · Baja California · Mexico · Pacific Ocean

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