The U.S. Coast Guard and Virgin Islands Police rescued a 54‑year‑old fisherman who went missing Thursday after his 12‑foot dinghy disabled off St. Thomas. He launched from Krum Bay on Thursday morning aboard a grey and white dinghy. A friend reported that his vehicle and trailer remained parked in Krum Bay, prompting the 911 call at 8:41 p.m. The Coast Guard watchstanders in Sector San Juan coordinated with the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency. A marine unit located the fisherman stranded on Savana Island, about three miles west of St. Thomas. He was found in good health but dehydrated and received emergency medical assistance. Capt. Robert E. Stiles, Coast Guard Search and Rescue mission coordinator, said the rescue demonstrated strong partnerships and seamless coordination among the agencies involved. The search covered approximately 430 square nautical miles and included four air and five surface searches conducted by Coast Guard assets and partner organizations. The fisherman was treated for dehydration and later released, and the search operation was completed.
- Publisher
- stripes
- Reliability
- high
- Published
- 8/21/2026, 10:00:25 AM
- Retrieved
- 8/21/2026, 10:00:25 AM
- Relevance
- 80%
- Confidence
- 85%

