Ailing Mariner Medevaced off Alaska
An ailing crewmember aboard the fishing vessel Seafreeze Alaska was medevaced approximately 195 miles north of Cold Bay, Alaska, Thursday.
A Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew, deployed aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Midgett, hoisted the 21-year-old man, who reportedly lost consciousness for 45 minutes, and transferred him to awaiting Guardian Flight emergency medical personnel in Cold Bay.
Coast Guard 17th District watchstanders were notified at approximately 7:45 a.m. by personnel at Health Force Partners of a medical situation aboard the Seafreeze Alaska. Watchstanders consulted the duty flight surgeon who recommended the medevac.
Crewmembers from Midgett rendezvoused with the vessel north of Cold Bay and launched the rescue helicopter crew. While the helicopter was airborne, Midgett remained on scene to act as a support platform for the rescue helicopter. Once the hoist was complete, the helicopter refueled aboard the cutter before proceeding to Cold Bay.
“This case illustrates the importance of Coast Guard assets patrolling the Bering, as well as the training and coordination of our aircrews and cutters,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Timothy Daugherty, a Coast Guard 17th District command center watchstander. “We were able to conduct a safe and timely rescue with the coverage and coordination Coast Guard crews provide year-round in the Bering Sea and North Pacific Ocean.”
The weather at the time of the medevac was reported as 20 mph winds with 7-foot seas.
