# Nicaraguan fishing vessel disappearance and rescue

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/nicaraguan-fishing-vessel-disappearance-and-rescue
> Updated: 2026-10-06T23:01:19.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 2.

Following the disappearance of a Nicaraguan fishing vessel in the Pacific Ocean, the Nicaraguan Army initiated search, rescue, and salvage operations involving the Air Force and the Pacific Naval District. The vessel was reported to have five crew members on board.

After 22 days adrift, the five fishermen were rescued by the Guatemalan Navy’s Pacific Naval Command. The vessel, identified as the Elying Alexander, had been missing since September 12 after a mechanical engine failure and ocean currents caused it to drift north from the San Rafael del Sur area. The crew was located approximately 273 kilometers from the Guatemalan shore near Tecojate, Escuintla. The survivors, who endured the ordeal with minimal food and water, are undergoing medical assessments and legal procedures in coordination with national and international authorities.

## Claims

- The vessel had been adrift since September 12. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The vessel was located approximately 273 kilometers from the Guatemalan coast. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The crew survived for 22 days using minimal food and water rations. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The Guatemalan Navy located and assisted five Nicaraguan citizens on the vessel Elying Alexander. (single source)
- A technical engine failure and ocean currents caused the vessel to drift off its original route. (single source)
- The rescued crew members are being transferred to land for legal and administrative procedures. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-06: Guatemalan Navy rescues five Nicaraguan fishermen after 22 days adrift

The Guatemalan Navy has rescued five Nicaraguan fishermen who survived 22 days adrift in the Pacific Ocean after their vessel suffered an engine failure.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/guatemalan-navy-rescues-five-nicaraguan-fishermen-after-22-days-adrift

### 2026-09-19: Nicaraguan Army launches search for missing fishing vessel

The Nicaraguan Army has initiated search and rescue operations in the Pacific Ocean to locate a fishing vessel with five crew members reported missing.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nicaraguan-army-launches-search-for-missing-fishing-vessel

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Cite as: Nicaraguan fishing vessel disappearance and rescue. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/nicaraguan-fishing-vessel-disappearance-and-rescue