CG VIGILANT

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Coast Guard Cutter rescued yacht crew and assisted in interdicting 1,200 pounds of cocaine during Caribbean deployment

The 'Vigilant (WMEC 617)' returned home to Cape Canaveral on March 3, 2024, following a 60-day patrol in the Central and Eastern Caribbean. Deploying in support of Joint Interagency Task Force-South, the 'Vigilant' worked alongside other Coast Guard cutters, Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security units, and international partners to conduct maritime safety and security missions. Vigilant deterred illegal drug smuggling and directly contributed to U.S. Coast Guard and national objectives to combat transnational criminal organizations. During the patrol, the 'Vigilant' responded to a distress signal from a French-flagged sailing vessel with two French crew members, who were stranded at sea for over eight days with no means of propulsion and no remaining drinking water. The 'Vigilant' was first on scene and provided them with water, shelter, and medical aid until their safe return home was coordinated. Additionally, the 'Vigilant' assisted the USS 'Leyte Gulf (CG 55) 'in stopping a drug trafficking venture, detaining six suspected drug traffickers, and interdicting 1,200 pounds of cocaine worth an estimated $15.7 million. In addition, the 'Vigilant' conducted a professional exchange with officials in St. Lucia as well as St. Kitts and Nevis. Vigilant worked to promote regional stability, security and strengthen partnerships. Members of the crew also conducted a community relations project in Basseterre, St. Kitts, where they joined members of the St. Kitts and Nevis Defence Force to paint two classrooms at a local school. Report with photo: https://www.news.uscg.mil/Press-Releases/Article/3693449/us-coast-guard-rescues-2-assists-in-interdicting-1200-pounds-of-cocaine-during/

Coast Guard Cutters rescued two boaters

The 'Vigilant' and 'Richard Dixon' rescued two boaters from a disabled sailing vessel on Feb 1, 2024, in the Caribbean Sea, approximately 147 nautical miles south of Puerto Rico. Rescued were French citizens Robert Punginier, 77, and Marie Claude Durand, 50, who were disabled and adrift for over seven days. Coast Guard watchstanders at Sector San Juan received a communication from the the 'Vigilant' in the morning, reporting the sighting of two red flares and one red smoke signaling flare launched from the sailing vessel 'Orion'. The 'Vigilant' diverted to assist as the 'Orion' appeared to be disabled with a torn sail. The 'Vigilant' provided water to the boaters and confirmed the vessel’s engine was not working and that mechanical problems prevented the vessel from being sailed manually. Coast Guard watchstanders diverted the Coast Guard Cutter 'Richard Dixon' to render assistance. Once on-scene, it’s crew safely embarked the boaters, who voluntarily accepted to receive Coast Guard assistance. One of the boaters showed signs of extreme fatigue, while the other appeared to be in good health. The 'Richard Dixon' transported the boaters to the French Island of Martinque, where they were received and assisted by local authorities. Report with photo: https://www.news.uscg.mil/Press-Releases/Article/3664922/coast-guard-rescues-2-french-boaters-from-disabled-sailing-vessel-approximately/

Vigilant returns from patrol after interdicting 5,600 pounds of illicit drugs and rescuing 12 Cubans

On Oct 24, 2023, the CG 'Vigilant (WMEC 617)' returned home to Cape Canaveral, following a 29-day patrol in the Central Caribbean and Florida Straits in support of the Joint Interagency Task Force-South, Vigilant alongside other Coast Guard cutters, Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security units, and international partners to conduct counter-drug operations. During the patrol, the 'Vigilant' disrupted illegal narcotics smuggling, interdicting more than 5,600 pounds of illicit drugs. While in theater, the 'Vigilant' interdicted five drug-smuggling vessels and apprehended eight suspected traffickers, contributing directly to U.S. Coast Guard objectives to combat transnational criminal organizations. The 'Vigilant' operated as the Central Tasking Unit coordinating international and other asset movement to interdict suspected drug smuggling vessels, which strengthened ties with international partners and promoted regional stability and security. In addition, the 'Vigilant' rescued 12 Cuban migrants in an unseaworthy vessel 120 nautical miles south of Cuba. Once aboard Vigilant, the crew provided the migrants with food, water, shelter, and medical aid until they were repatriated.