Ailing Mariner Medevaced Near Alaska

Posted by Eric Haun May 26, 2015

A USCG helicopter crew hoists an ailing mariner from the fishing vessel Western Profit near Sitka, Alaska. After safely hoisting the injured man, he was brought to a higher level of medical care in Sitka. (Screenshot of USCG_ video by Air Station Sitka.

A U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Sitka MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew medevaced an ailing mariner from Deep Bay, 25 miles north of Sitka, Sunday.

The Jayhawk crew safely hoisted the 68-year-old man from the Western Profit, a 62-foot charter vessel, and transferred him to Sitka Community Hospital.

Coast Guard Sector Juneau command center watchstanders received a report from the crewmembers of the Western Profit that the mariner was suffering from chest pains.

“During the summer months there is increased activity on the water, and our crews stand watch around the clock,” said Cmdr. Patrick Hilbert, deputy commander, Sector Juneau. “We train for situations such as this in order to assist and transport mariners in distress.”

Weather on scene was reported as 5 mph winds and 3-foot seas.