KODIAK, Alaska — A Coast Guard Air Station Sitka MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew medevaced a fisherman from the 68-foot fishing vessel Island Dancer in Seymour Canal on the east side of Admiralty Island Sunday.

Coast Guard Sector Juneau watchstanders received a request from the Island Dancer crew at 3:52 p.m. for a medevac of a 45-year-old crewman reportedly suffering from seizures. Coast Guard District 17 watchstanders directed the launch of the Jayhawk crew to respond. The rescue helicopter crew safely hoisted the patient from the vessel and delivered him to awaiting emergency medical crews in Juneau for further transport to Bartlett Regional Hospital at 7:30 p.m.

“The Coast Guard works diligently with our medical partners throughout the state and the fishing fleets to safeguard the lives of mariners,” said Lt. Robert Baysen, District 17 command duty officer. “Our helicopter crew’s rapid response in the event of a medical emergency at-sea can mean the difference between life and death in many cases.”

The weather at the time of the medevac was reportedly winds of 23 mph with seas of 3 to 4 feet and light rain.

Source: USCG