The crew of the US Coast Guard Sentinel-class fast response cutter (FRC) USCGC Richard Dixon interdicted a suspected drug-smuggling vessel approximately 50 miles (80 kilometres) south of Puerto Rico on August 21.
The boat was found to have approximately 7,250 pounds (3,290 kg) of cocaine on board.
The seized narcotics are reportedly worth around US$54.5 million.
The five people on the vessel are detained pending further investigation. The coast guard said the drug-carrying vessel was destroyed as it posed a hazard to navigation.
Coast Guard Southeast District Commander Admiral Adam Chamie said the successful interdiction was carried out by Dixon's crew in coordination with Coast Guard Air Station Miami and US Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations personnel and assets.
"Dixon was in the right place at the right time to stop a major shipment," said Lieutenant Commander Michael D. Torgesen, commanding officer of Dixon.
Dixon is the US Coast Guard's 15th Sentinel-class FRC.
The cutter is homeported in San Juan, Puerto Rico, along with six other FRCs.