This is the dramatic moment coast guards rescued a walker stranded on rocks off Puerto Rico.

Footage shows Coast Guard MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter aircrew hoisting the man onboard after he plunged into the water off Playa Esperanza in Manati, on February 17.

Coast Guard Sector San Juan command center watchstanders were alerted to the emergency after receiving a call about the distressed individual who was stranded on top of a sharp rock formation, with heavy waves threatening to knock him back into the Atlantic Ocean.

Lieutenant Luke M. Dewhirst, Coast Guard MH-60T Jayhawk aircraft commander for the case, said: 'This rescue is a testament to the intentional and continuous training we conduct at Air Station Borinquen to intervene on someone's worst day and bring them to safety.

'I am incredibly proud of the safe and efficient work by the crew of 6038, as well as the expert coordination by our operations watchstander and personnel at Sector San Juan; amazing teamwork by all. We are always thankful for the opportunity to assist people in need.'

The man was later taken to the Fernando Luis Ribas Dominicci airport before being transferred to the Centro Medico Hospital in San Juan for evaluation.