CG VIGILANT

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Vigilant returned home after seizing 3,100 pounds in drugs during multi-mission patrol

The 'Vigilant (WMEC 617)' has returned home to Cape Canaveral, on Aug. 19, 2025, following a 59-day patrol in the Caribbean Sea and Windward Passage. During the patrol, the ship interdicted 3,100 pounds of illicit drugs in the Caribbean Sea while underway in the Coast Guard Southeast District’s area of operations. The crew deployed in support of the Joint Interagency Task Force – South (JIATF-S) mission of detecting and monitoring illegal drug shipments in the maritime domain for subsequent interdiction and apprehension. On July 25, a maritime patrol aircraft notified the Coast Guard Cutter of a suspicious go-fast vessel approximately 180 miles south of the Dominican Republic. A boarding team interdicted the vessel, seizing more than 1,410 pounds of cocaine and 80 pounds of marijuana. On Aug 15, a maritime patrol aircraft notified the ship of a suspicious go-fast vessel approximately 35 miles southwest of Haiti. The boarding team interdicted the vessel, seizing more than 1,615 pounds of marijuana. These drug seizures contributed toward the Coast Guard's largest drug offload in history. The 'Vigilant' initially deployed in support of Operation Vigilant Sentry (OVS) while on patrol in the Windward Passage, working alongside other Coast Guard assets to deter migration along the coast of Haiti. Report with photos: https://www.news.uscg.mil/Press-Releases/Article/4291370/coast-guard-cutter-vigilant-returns-home-after-seizing-3100-pounds-in-drugs-dur/

Coast Guard Cutter rescued yacht crew and assisted in interdicting 1,200 pounds of cocaine during Caribbean deployment

The 'Vigilant (WMEC 617)' returned home to Cape Canaveral on March 3, 2024, following a 60-day patrol in the Central and Eastern Caribbean. Deploying in support of Joint Interagency Task Force-South, the 'Vigilant' worked alongside other Coast Guard cutters, Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security units, and international partners to conduct maritime safety and security missions. Vigilant deterred illegal drug smuggling and directly contributed to U.S. Coast Guard and national objectives to combat transnational criminal organizations. During the patrol, the 'Vigilant' responded to a distress signal from a French-flagged sailing vessel with two French crew members, who were stranded at sea for over eight days with no means of propulsion and no remaining drinking water. The 'Vigilant' was first on scene and provided them with water, shelter, and medical aid until their safe return home was coordinated. Additionally, the 'Vigilant' assisted the USS 'Leyte Gulf (CG 55) 'in stopping a drug trafficking venture, detaining six suspected drug traffickers, and interdicting 1,200 pounds of cocaine worth an estimated $15.7 million. In addition, the 'Vigilant' conducted a professional exchange with officials in St. Lucia as well as St. Kitts and Nevis. Vigilant worked to promote regional stability, security and strengthen partnerships. Members of the crew also conducted a community relations project in Basseterre, St. Kitts, where they joined members of the St. Kitts and Nevis Defence Force to paint two classrooms at a local school. Report with photo: https://www.news.uscg.mil/Press-Releases/Article/3693449/us-coast-guard-rescues-2-assists-in-interdicting-1200-pounds-of-cocaine-during/

Coast Guard Cutters rescued two boaters

The 'Vigilant' and 'Richard Dixon' rescued two boaters from a disabled sailing vessel on Feb 1, 2024, in the Caribbean Sea, approximately 147 nautical miles south of Puerto Rico. Rescued were French citizens Robert Punginier, 77, and Marie Claude Durand, 50, who were disabled and adrift for over seven days. Coast Guard watchstanders at Sector San Juan received a communication from the the 'Vigilant' in the morning, reporting the sighting of two red flares and one red smoke signaling flare launched from the sailing vessel 'Orion'. The 'Vigilant' diverted to assist as the 'Orion' appeared to be disabled with a torn sail. The 'Vigilant' provided water to the boaters and confirmed the vessel’s engine was not working and that mechanical problems prevented the vessel from being sailed manually. Coast Guard watchstanders diverted the Coast Guard Cutter 'Richard Dixon' to render assistance. Once on-scene, it’s crew safely embarked the boaters, who voluntarily accepted to receive Coast Guard assistance. One of the boaters showed signs of extreme fatigue, while the other appeared to be in good health. The 'Richard Dixon' transported the boaters to the French Island of Martinque, where they were received and assisted by local authorities. Report with photo: https://www.news.uscg.mil/Press-Releases/Article/3664922/coast-guard-rescues-2-french-boaters-from-disabled-sailing-vessel-approximately/