Story by U.S. Coast Guard,
7th District Public Affairs

SAN JUAN Puerto Rico - Severo Rodriguez, 70, from St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, was rescued by the Coast Guard Cutter Chincoteague this afternoon after being found by a private airplane almost 48-hours after he was expected home.

Rodriguez was reported missing by his daughter to the U.S. Coast Guard Greater Antilles Section in Puerto Rico yesterday morning at 7:45 a.m. after he did not return from a Wednesday voyage.  His daughter joined the search effort and actually rented the plane and pilot who eventually found Rodriguez while flying a search area provided by the Coast Guard.

The Coast Guard conducted eight additional searches of the most probable location where Rodriguez would be located based on the information provided.  Also assisting in the search effort was Puerto Rico Police Department's FURA Unit helicopter.  The Coast Guard Cutter Chincoteague was also searching in the area and diverted to recover Rodriguez from his small boat once he was located.  Rodriguez was reported in good condition and was given food and water by the crew of Chincoteague.

Assisting in Rodriguez' rescue was the fact that he left a float plan with a responsible person shoreside who was able to notify the Coast Guard so that a reasonable search area could be developed.  Chincoteague is a 110 foot Cutter home ported in San Juan, Puerto Rico.