JUNEAU, Alaska—A Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew forward deployed to Cordova from Kodiak medevaced a cruise ship passenger near Prince William Sound Monday.

The crew safely hoisted the 53-year-old man, who was suffering from gastrointestinal distress, and transported him to Cordova to meet emergency medical personnel for further transport to Anchorage from commercial medevac services.

Coast Guard 17th District watchstanders received the medevac request from the crew of the cruise ship Zaandam at 3:30 a.m. and directed the launch of the helicopter crew.

“During our busy summer season the forward-deployed Cordova helicopter crew is a priceless asset,” said Chief Petty Officer Jenell Webster, a command duty officer at the 17th District command center. “Between the cruise ship, fishing, recreational and commercial traffic, it is critical to have fast response capabilities available when an emergency situation arises and having forward deployed assets reduces our response times.”

The patient was reported in stable condition at the time of transfer to commercial medevac services.