Editors note: This story has been updated to clarify the role of the good Samaritan fisherman and the timing of events. U.S. Coast Guard watchstanders conducted updated drift calculations, discussed with the Palau responders, but prior to updated search patterns being sent, the divers were located.
SANTA RITA, Guam — Eight divers reported missing on Dec. 26, 2024, near Peleliu Corner, a renowned dive site off Peleliu Island in Palau, were found alive by a good Samaritan on Dec. 27. The discovery came during a collaborative search effort led by Republic of Palau authorities with support from the U.S. Coast Guard.
The Joint Rescue Sub-Center (JRSC) Guam assumed Search and Rescue Mission Coordinator responsibilities when the search area expanded beyond Palau’s territorial seas into the U.S. Coast Guard’s search and rescue region. Initial search efforts focused southwest of Peleliu based on local observations, but updated U.S. Coast Guard drift modeling suggested the group likely drifted northwest.
The JRSC discussed the updated drift calculations with responders, which would move responder efforts to the north where the divers were ultimately located. However, a local fisherman headed out for the day located the divers before updated search patterns were sent to responders. All eight individuals were found in good condition, rescued, and safely returned to Palau.
"The safe recovery of eight missing divers near Peleliu Corner is a testament to the incredible community spirit of Palau. A local fisherman’s vigilance and swift action ultimately brought the search to a successful conclusion, showcasing the vital role of Palau’s residents and their deep connection to their waters," said Cmdr. Ryan Crose, U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam’s search and rescue mission coordinator. “Search and rescue efforts are always a team effort, and we’re grateful for the swift action of Palau’s responders and community. Using our drift modeling tools, we were able to update search recommendations to refocus the direction of the efforts with the best available information.”
The divers, including seven tourists and one guide, were last seen diving at Peleliu Corner, a popular but challenging site known for its strong currents. The incident underscores the importance of collaborative efforts and advanced tools in search and rescue operations.
The U.S. Coast Guard worked with Palau’s Marine Law Enforcement Division, state rangers, and Pacific Mission Aviation during the search. JRSC Guam also coordinated the deployment of a U.S. Coast Guard HC-130 Hercules aircraft from Air Station Barber's Point in Hawaii to assist, though the case was resolved before its arrival.
The weather forecast for Palau’s coastal waters was an east wind of 10 to 15 knots with wind waves up to 3 feet and northeast swells of 5 to 7 feet. Responders observed locally heavy showers and isolated thunderstorm activity.
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About U.S. Coast Guard Team Guam
U.S. Coast Guard Team Guam, comprising over 350 members across Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, focused on maritime safety, security, and stewardship in Oceania. The team includes U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam and U.S. Coast Guard Base Guam and their sub-units, staffed by dedicated active-duty, reserve, and civilian personnel. With a significant presence in Guam, Saipan, and the Micronesia sub-region, this integrated team focuses on operations and logistics to support maritime safety, security, and stewardship in Oceania and maintains close ties with local communities.
For more information about U.S. Coast Guard actions, please contact CWO Sara Muir, public affairs officer, at sara.g.muir@uscg.mil or uscgforcesmicronesia@gmail.com.