THE Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services’ Search and Rescue Unit, with assistance from the Department of Public Safety’s Boating Safety Section, rescued a stranded surfer late Sunday afternoon near the reef off Aquarius Beach Tower.
According to DFEMS public information officer Robert Mojica, “At approximately 4:40 p.m., a male caller reported a swimmer in distress beyond the reef. By 5:14 p.m., two personnel from the Search and Rescue Unit were dispatched on jet skis to assist.”
The swimmer was located and picked up at 5:19 p.m., and SARU personnel transported the individual to Smiling Cove Marina.
They arrived at 6:04 p.m. Medic-2 was on standby to assess the swimmer’s condition, Mojica stated.
The individual was then transported to the Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation for further evaluation, if necessary. No additional details about the surfer’s condition were immediately available.
Authorities are reminding the public to exercise caution when swimming or surfing near reef areas, especially during changing tide and weather conditions.
Throughout the week, the CNMI Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management has repeatedly advised residents to remain cautious as hazardous weather conditions persist.
As of Sunday, active advisories remained in effect for Saipan, Tinian, and Rota, including small craft, high surf, rip current, flood watch, and wind advisories.
The rescued surfer was assessed by medics at Smiling Cove Marina.
Photo by Bryan Manabat
The two DFEMS personnel with the jet skis they used to rescue the surfer early Sunday evening.
Photo by Bryan Manabat
