Costa Rica Coast Guard rescues injured US tourist in Las Catalinas

The Costa Rican Coast Guard on Tuesday morning rescued a 52-year-old U.S. tourist who fell into a rock formation while vacationing in Las Catalinas, in the northwestern province of Guanacaste.

The traveler, identified by his last name, Rosenberg, was taking a walk when he apparently lost his balance and fell into a rock formation in the water below where he sustained several injuries across his body, according to a statement from the Public Security Ministry. Rosenberg had his cellphone with him and was able to call relatives living in Costa Rica, who then informed the Coast Guard.

Another tourist passing by on a jet ski helped Rosenberg out of the rocks before authorities arrived to transport him to a hospital in Flamingo on the other side of Potrero Bay, where a Red Cross team awaited. The 7.5 kilometer trip across the bay in a Coast Guard fast boat lasted over an hour as strong winds and large waves complicated the crossing.

According to the National Police, Rosenberg was conscious after his fall, but police did not specify the nature of his injuries.