U.S. Coast Guard air crews medevac Ukrainian from bulk carrier 130 miles east of Cape Cod, Mass.
A Ukrainian sailor in distress was medically evacuated by U.S. Coast Guard Crews Monday, 130 miles east of Cape Cod, Mass.
Watchstanders at the 1st Coast Guard District Command Center received a medevac request from the motor vessel Alice Oldendorff stating a 28-year-old man was suffering stomach pains.
After a conference call with a flight surgeon, the operator of the vessel, and the search and rescue mission coordinator, a medevac was recommended within a 12-hour window. The operator was instructed to change course and make best speed towards Cape Cod to decrease the time it would take to get the man medical care.
Crews aboard an HC-144a Casa and a MH-60 Jayhawk Helicopter responded to help.
While the Casa crew provided communication cover, the helicopter rescue crew safely hoisted the man and flew him to Cape Cod Hospital for treatment.
"Our priority was hoisting the patient and getting him ashore quickly," said Lt. Bryan Hoyt, a MH-60 Jayhawk Helicopter pilot at Air Station Cape Cod. "Teaming up with the Casa crew helped us get on scene quickly, communicate with the operator of the vessel, and conduct the rescue."