Rip Current — Northwest, Puerto Rico

2024-03-27 · Northwest, Puerto Rico

Event narrative

A 40-year-old male tourist and his two daughters were swept away by rip currents at Montones Beach in Isabela. The man managed to rescue the girls but was also dragged and unable to get out of the water. Paramedics from State Medical Emergencies provided first aid and confirmed that the individual no longer had vital signs.

Wider weather episode

A low-pressure system located approximately 900 miles north of Puerto Rico generated significant northerly swells during the week of March 27th. These swells caused high surf and life-threatening rip currents along the Atlantic coastline of the islands.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1164913. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.