Air and Marine Operations (AMO), a unit under U.S. Customs and Border Protection, conducted a rescue on March 27, 2025, when an aircrew discovered a capsized boat on the Colorado River about 22 miles south of the Hoover Dam. The helicopter crew was returning to Yuma from operations in Las Vegas when they spotted the overturned boat and a woman in distress.
The aircrew landed at the riverbank, and an AMO emergency medical technician was deployed to assist the woman with medical equipment. The woman informed the agent that she had been stranded since the previous day after hitting her head and losing consciousness. She was provided with water and food, as she had not had access to sustenance since the accident.
Due to the remote location and lack of cellphone or radio contact, the pilot had to depart the area to find a signal, eventually notifying the local police department. The call was transferred to the National Park Service (NPS), which dispatched a boat to the scene around 7:00 pm and assumed control of the incident and the woman's medical care.
AMO stated, "AMO safeguards our Nation by anticipating and confronting security threats through our aviation and maritime law enforcement expertise, innovative capabilities, and partnerships at the border and beyond." The organization operates in various environments across the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection describes itself as "America's frontline," being the nation's largest law enforcement organization. The agency plays a crucial role in protecting the nation on land, air, and sea, as well as facilitating safe travel and trade.
More information on AMO can be found on their social media pages, and a full list of CBP's local and regional accounts is available.
