A 58-year-old mariner is safe after surviving a vessel capsizing west of Guam earlier this week—thanks in large part to preparation and quick communication. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, the mariner departed Merizo around 5 a.m. on January 12 aboard a 22-foot white pleasure boat named Solo 2. He planned to fish near the Agat buoy before heading out to the 9-mile mark.

Rough sea conditions, including a high surf advisory and a rip current statement in effect for Guam, are believed to have contributed to the vessel capsizing.

The Coast Guard says the mariner was able to call for help using multiple communication devices, stayed with the overturned vessel, and had informed others of his float plan—allowing crews to locate him quickly and respond.

Officials are once again urging mariners to monitor weather conditions closely, file float plans, and carry reliable communication equipment before heading out to sea.