Coast Guard Swimmer Recounts Daring Rescue of 16 in Pitch-Black Pacific Waters

A U.S. Coast Guard swimmer described battling 6 to 8-foot waves and complete darkness to rescue 16 people from the Pacific Ocean. The rescue operation, which began after a mayday call around 1 a.m. on Oct. 16, took place approximately 140 miles off the coast of Mexico’s Baja peninsula.

Petty Officer Josh Law, 24, was lowered from a helicopter into the turbulent water, initially unable to see or hear over the noise of the aircraft and the ocean. "I was experiencing exhaustion at that point," Law told the Associated Press. "We had very little sleep. But what I was experiencing was nothing compared to what they were at that point … I just had to keep that in mind."

For two hours, Law was the sole rescuer in the water, bringing survivors to a basket hoisted by the helicopter. He utilized a "buddy tow" technique, swimming with individuals to the pickup point while signaling the crew. His dry suit filled with water, adding to the physical challenge.

Helicopter pilot Lt. Miyako Miller navigated using night vision goggles and stars, spotting a faint light and debris in the vast ocean. The crew identified the distress call originating from a sinking boat. "I’m doing my best to maintain my references externally by looking outside through the night vision goggles," Miller said, with the flight mechanic guiding positioning. "The flight mechanic is telling me where to position the helicopter."

The survivors, all identified as Mexican nationals by the Mexican consulate, were found scattered in the water, some clinging to each other and wreckage, others wearing life vests with small lights. The Coast Guard said three of the rescued individuals suffered injuries consistent with shark bites, requiring immediate first aid.

With the helicopter full and fuel running low, the crew diverted to the Coast Guard station in San Diego, where ambulances were waiting. Law provided medical treatment during the flight.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is investigating the incident, including interviewing the survivors. The agency did not confirm if the vessel was involved in human smuggling, though the route is known for such activity. Pieces of the boat were recovered, but the cause of the capsizing remains under federal investigation. Some of the rescued individuals have since been returned to Mexico.

The search for the 11 missing individuals was called off late Sunday after the Coast Guard, along with Mexican and U.S. Navy assets, had searched over 2,441 square miles for 89 combined hours. The incident highlights the dangers migrants face when attempting to travel by sea to avoid heavily guarded land borders.