MÉRIDA, Mexico.- A 74-year-old American man, identified as David Diehl, was found alive and rescued recently after having been adrift for two weeks in the seas near Cuba, according to the United States Coast Guard (USCG).
According to the statement from that entity, Diehl was found in good health after the crew of a cruise ship will sight the navigator’s catamaran and alert the US authorities.
Diehl had last been seen on December 4, aboard his 30-foot Stargazer, browsing 20 miles from Fort Myers, Florida.
#Update: The @USCG you have not received any actionable information regarding the vessel Stargazer.
If you’ve seen this vessel or David Diehl, please call 305-415-6800. pic.twitter.com/0saYFZk4CZ
— USCGSoutheast (@USCGSoutheast) December 14, 2024
However, his catamaran was left behind. drift and was found 30 miles from the Cuban coast.
The Coast Guard issued an advisory on December 12 to report any sightings of the Stargazer and two days later reported that there was still no sign of its whereabouts.
Later, after information from the cruise ship, a USCG rescue team went to the scene to help him.
“Tell your loved ones that David Diehl is back and to stop worrying about him this holiday season,” the USCG wrote in a post.
Videos released on social networks show the moment of the rescue while the old man was in his boat.
#End @USCG crews received a notification from a cruise ship reporting David Diehl & the Stargazer were disabled in int’l waters off Cuba. He was in good health.
Tell someone where you are going & when you’ll be back to keep loved ones from worrying this holiday season. #HE pic.twitter.com/eTTMXD2KSj
— USCGSoutheast (@USCGSoutheast) December 16, 2024
“Tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return,” the USCG stressed after the incident, noting the importance of establishing safety plans. navigation and socialize them with family.
Ocean currents, including the Loop and the Gulf Stream, may have influenced the Stargazer’s trajectory from the coast of Florida to its location near Cuban waters.
30 miles off the coast of Cuba pic.twitter.com/V5KFCgSRjz
— Nalitt (@mnalitt1) December 17, 2024
Diehl’s story comes weeks after another maritime incident that recently shook American citizens. The Coast Guard also launched an arduous search for five fishermen missing in Alaska after their boat capsized near Point Couverden in early December.
On that occasion, the fishing boat capsized, leading to a search that spanned more than 108 miles. One day later, after efforts unsuccessful, the search was suspended.
The victims were identified as Travis Kapp, Jacob Hannah, Alex Ireland, Emilio “EJ” Celaya and Michael Brown.
