Rip Current — North Central, Puerto Rico

2026-01-18 · North Central, Puerto Rico

Event narrative

Two 21-year-old males from Corozal were swept away by rip currents at Caracoles Beach along Highway PR-681 in Arecibo. One individual was rescued by the US Coast Guard and transported to a hospital. The body of the second individual was recovered the following day, Jan 19th.

Wider weather episode

Fresh to locally strong east to northeast winds and a long-period northwesterly swell, resulted in a high risk of rip currents along northern beaches of Puerto Rico, and Culebra. Two 21 year old males were swept away by currents in Caracoles Beach, Arecibo. One was rescued with injuries and the other was found deceased.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1300742. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.