KODIAK, Alaska — A Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew medevaced a fisherman from the 110-foot fishing vessel Bering Leader 57 miles northwest of Cold Bay Tuesday.

Coast Guard 17th District watchstanders received a call from Health Force Partners personnel in Seattle at 8:02 a.m. requesting a medevac of the 39-year-old crewman reportedly suffering from stroke-like symptoms. The watchstanders directed the launch of the Jayhawk crew. The rescue helicopter crew safely hoisted the patient from the vessel and is transporting him to Cold Bay. After landing in Cold Bay he will be transfered to Guardian Lifeflight who will fly him to Anchorage for further medical treatment

“Coast Guard helicopter crews are trained to respond safely and rapidly to assist mariners in distress regardless of the situation,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Eric Ihle, a search and rescue controller with District 17. “When it comes to medevacs the Coast Guard works closely with emergency medical services to provide expeditious care.”

The weather at the time of the medevac was reportedly winds of 15 mph with one foot seas.

For more information contact Petty Officer 3rd Class Jonathan Lally at 907-321-4176.