Rip Current — Northeast, Puerto Rico

2023-12-09 · Northeast, Puerto Rico

Event narrative

On December 9th, Emergency Managers in Fajardo, PR, reported that four people were swept away by strong rip currents at Playa Escondida, Fajardo. Emergency Managers successfully rescued three out of the four individuals, but unfortunately, a young 25-year-old adult from San Lorenzo, Puerto Rico, drowned. The body was found about 1,500 ft from the coastline on December 11th.

Wider weather episode

Hazardous coastal conditions where observed across the northern coastline from Rincon to Fajardo due to long-dominant period northwesterly to northerly swell and vigorous to fresh winds impacting the regional waters. High Surf Advisories and a High Risk of Rip Currents were in effect for Fajardo, where four people were swept away by strong rip currents at Playa Escondida (one fatality and three injured).

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1151358. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.