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  4. Rescue Beacon Activation Saves Two in Distress

Rescue Beacon Activation Saves Two in Distress

Release Date
Tue, 06/27/2017

TUCSON, Ariz. – Tucson Sector Border Patrol agents from the Ajo Station responded to a rescue beacon activation Saturday night west of Why, Arizona and found a two men, a Mexican national and a Guatemalan national who required Life Flight transport for advanced medical care.

Rescue beacons such as this one have been installed along popular routes of travel, in case migrants become distressed
Rescue beacons such as this
one have been installed
along popular routes of
travel, in case migrants
become distressed

When agents arrived at the Growler rescue beacon, a 25-year-old Mexican man told rescuers that his travel companion needed medical help. Agents, guided by the Mexican national, located the 26-year-old Guatemalan who was going in and out of consciousness. Border Patrol agents certified as emergency medical technicians provided the man with intravenous fluids while waiting for a Life Flight helicopter transport to a local hospital.

Agents evaluated the Mexican man and determined he did not require medical attention. He was arrested for immigration violations and taken to the Ajo Station for processing.

After the Guatemalan was treated and released, he was taken into custody by Ajo Border Patrol agents and charged with immigration violations.

Due to the extreme heat, Tucson Sector Border Patrol officials warn that summer is an especially dangerous time to be stranded in Arizona’s desert. Anyone in need of emergency assistance needs to call 9-1-1 immediately as dehydration can be deadly if not treated.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021