Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – Two American sailors were rescued in dramatic fashion by the Mexican Navy, operating as the Coast Guard, after their vessel began taking on water south of Punta de Mita. The rescue operation took place approximately five nautical miles (9.26 kilometers) off the coast, after the sailing boat Kama Hele, crewed by two U.S. citizens, started sinking due to water entering through the engine room.
According to officials, the Kama Hele departed from the Marina de la Cruz in Huanacaxtle, Nayarit, and ran into distress soon after setting sail. In response to a call for help, specialized personnel from the Vallarta Naval Search, Rescue and Maritime Surveillance Station (Ensar) immediately boarded a Defender-type vessel and navigated to the distressed boat’s location.
Upon arrival, rescue personnel assessed the health of the crew members and found them in satisfactory condition. They then proceeded with urgent damage control, using two submersible electric pumps to remove seawater from the engine room. The naval team carefully escorted the damaged vessel back to the Marina de la Cruz in Huanacaxtle, ensuring the continued safety of both crew members throughout the operation.
In a statement, officials noted the Secretary of the Navy, through the Mexican Navy acting as Coast Guard, remains committed to the mission of preserving human life at sea. This latest rescue highlights the importance of swift, coordinated efforts by maritime authorities to respond to emergencies and safeguard those navigating the Mexican coast.
