US Coast Guard Rescues Missing Family Near Micronesia

The crew of the Legend-class cutter USCGC Midgett (WMSL 757) rescued a family of three on April 6, 2026, after they had been missing for seven days in the waters of Chuuk State, Federated States of Micronesia.

The missing family, consisting of two men and one woman, had departed Fananu Island on March 30, 2026, intending to make a short passage to Murillo Island. The group became stranded when their 23-foot single-outboard skiff suffered an engine failure.

Search and Rescue Operations

Search and rescue operations were initiated after the U.S. Embassy and authorities in the Federated States of Micronesia reported the vessel as overdue on April 5, 2026.

The search was conducted under challenging conditions. The predicted search area exceeded 14,000 square nautical miles, with the crew facing rough seas and waves reaching 10 feet.

During the early hours of April 6, 2026, the crew of the USCGC Midgett visually located the skiff. Lt. Cmdr. Stephanie Jocis, the operations officer aboard the cutter, spotted the vessel using the ship’s search lights.

Diplomatic and Regional Partnership

Following the rescue, the family was returned to Chuuk State. Jennifer Johnson, the U.S. Ambassador to the Federated States of Micronesia, stated that the mission reflected the cooperation established under the Compact of Free Association.

Our U.S. Coast Guard colleagues’ swift and courageous actions in this successful search and rescue mission not only reflect the highest standards of professionalism and humanity but also reinforce the deep and enduring partnership between the United States and the Federated States of Micronesia. This mission exemplifies the spirit of cooperation and mutual support at the heart of the Compact of Free Association, underscoring how our close relations translate into real, life-saving outcomes for our people.

Jennifer Johnson, U.S. Ambassador to the Federated States of Micronesia