MIGUEL J. RODRIGUEZ CARRILLO / AFP via Getty Images A 68-year-old surfer was rescued in Puerto Rico on Friday after being missing for more than 30 hours, the U.S. Coast Guard said. The man had gone surfing near Surfer’s Beach in Aguadilla Thursday around noon and was not heard from afterward. His host reported him missing after he failed to return to his Airbnb on Friday evening. A massive search involving the Coast Guard, Puerto Rico Police, U.S. Border Patrol, and local emergency responders was launched immediately. A helicopter scoured the shoreline and offshore areas, eventually spotting the man stranded on rocks outside Surfer’s Beach, surrounded by reefs and rough seas, which made the location impossible to access by foot or boat. He was hoisted into the helicopter and taken to safety. Video captured the dramatic rescue, and audio released by the Coast Guard recorded the emotional family call with Captain Robert Stiles, who said, “We’re gonna have paramedics standing by to check him out but he’s alive and well.” He added: “This case could have easily had a different outcome.” TEAMWORK SAVES LIVES⁰After 30+ hours missing, a stranded surfer near Surfer’s Beach, Aguadilla was rescued through flawless coordination between Coast Guard watchstanders, aircrews, and federal, territorial, and local partners. Press release: https://t.co/k0UsMoXhrE ⁰ #USCG pic.twitter.com/ROikaTIrcF — U.S. Coast Guard Southeast (@USCGSoutheast) January 10, 2026 Read more at The Daily Beast.