The United States Coast Guard says its crew members have rescued six Jamaican nationals adrift about 76 miles southwest of Tortuga, Haiti.

The coast guard said on Saturday those rescued were 30-year-old Garnel Goldson, 50-year-old Rohan Smith, 30-year-old Raymond Foster, 32-year-old Jermaine Brown, 39-year-old Marvin Buchanon, and Jermaine Lobiboun.

According to the coast guard the Cutter Thetis crewmembers observed a handheld flare and diverted to the origin location of a disabled vessel that was on a voyage from Jamaica to Tortuga.

It says the master of the vessel reported to be adrift for two days, and the crew was running low on provisions.

The coast guard says the Cutter Thetis crew safely embarked the six survivors and transferred them to Cuban authorities, with no reported injuries.

Chris Eddy, Coast Guard 7th District Search and Rescue coordinator says the sea can be unforgiving and, when a boat or vessel experiences a casualty at sea, having the right equipment can save lives as this case shows.

He says this flare signaled to the crew of the Thetis who was within range to see it, ready to respond, and was able to save these six people.