I am writing this on behalf of Captain Adam Branch, a USCG-licensed captain based in Guam who operates a 23 ft Yamaha boat, SOLO 1, for commercial fishing. He carries an ACR ResQLink PLB, a GlobalFix V6 EPIRB, and a GPS unit, and is always prepared for emergencies. In early January 2026, that preparation likely saved his life.

While fishing approximately 8 miles off the west coast of Guam in the Philippine Sea, Captain Adam was navigating large swells in choppy, windy conditions. As his boat surfed down a wave, it slammed into the trough at speed, tearing a hole in the starboard bow. Within minutes, the boat began taking on water and rolling over.

As gear sank or drifted away, he searched for his safety case while preparing a cooler to use as a makeshift life raft if it came down to it. During this, he stepped on a large fishing hook that drove through his foot. With no time to spare, he pulled it free and continued. As the boat overturned, he grabbed the safety case and climbed onto the hull.

From there, he assessed and wrapped his injured foot, and activated his ACR EPIRB and GPS unit and waited. At this point, the situation was deteriorating, he was bleeding and drifting further offshore.

After some hours, just before dusk, the Coast Guard arrived, followed shortly by Guam Fire Department Sea Rescue. Both had received his distress signal. Captain Adam was safely rescued, and his boat was later towed back to Guam.

This incident highlights how quickly situations can escalate at sea and the critical role a distress beacon plays when it matters most.