World News

Coast Guard rescues 40 after boat capsizes off Puerto Rico

Two people were found dead and search operations continue after a makeshift vessel overturned near Mona Island

Updated Sep 29, 2026 · 10:32 UTC2 reports

The short version

The U.S. Coast Guard rescued at least 40 people and recovered two bodies after a makeshift vessel capsized west of Puerto Rico near Mona Island.[ABC News · Fox News]
Officials reported that the vessel overturned late Sunday following a machete fight that forced passengers into the water without life jackets.[ABC News · Fox News]
Survivors spent over 12 hours in open waters before being spotted by a passing vessel on Monday around noon.[ABC News · Fox News]
Search and rescue efforts continued into Monday evening, while the nationalities and exact number of passengers remain unconfirmed.[ABC News · Fox News]

The U.S. Coast Guard rescued at least 40 people in open waters several miles off Mona Island, an uninhabited island west of Puerto Rico.[ABC News · Fox News]
Two people were confirmed dead following the capsizing.[ABC News · Fox News]
According to the Coast Guard, the vessel capsized late Sunday after a fight involving a machete caused severe injuries and forced passengers overboard without life jackets.[ABC News · Fox News]
A passing boat discovered the survivors around noon on Monday after they had been in the water for more than 12 hours, alerting officials and pulling four people from the sea.[ABC News · Fox News]

The exact total number of passengers aboard remains unverified, though survivors estimated roughly 60 people were present.[ABC News · Fox News]
The origin and nationalities of the individuals on board have not yet been established by authorities.[ABC News · Fox News]
The final casualty count is unknown as search and rescue operations were still underway as of Monday evening.[ABC News · Fox News]

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.