JUNEAU, Alaska — Coast Guard crews in Sitka and Ketchikan performed two medevacs from two separate vessels in Southeast Alaska Sunday.
Coast Guard Station Ketchikan 47-foot Motor Life Boat crewmembers medevaced an injured mariner from a fishing vessel near Kendrick Bay and an Air Station Sitka Mh-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew medevaced an ailing passenger from a cruise ship near Zarembo Island.
The first case began when Coast Guard Sector Juneau watchstanders received a report that a 21-year-old female aboard the fishing vessel Haida Chief suffered a head injury when a line parted. The crew administered first aid and requested medical assistance.
The command center watchstanders directed the launch of a 47-foot Motor Life Boat from Station Ketchikan to rendezvous with the fishing vessel near Kendrick Bay, on the south end of Prince of Wales Island.
The Motor Life Boat crew arrived on scene, brought the injured crewmember aboard, and transported her safely back to emergency medical personnel in Ketchikan.
The second case began when Coast Guard 17th District command center watchstanders received a medevac request from the crew of the cruise ship Carnival Solstice. The ship’s crew reported that a 71-year-old male passenger was suffering from stroke-like symptoms.
Command center watchstanders directed the launch of an Air Station Sitka MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew. The helicopter crew arrived on scene, safely hoisted the ailing passenger and transported him to emergency medical personnel in Juneau.
“The safety of life at sea is our top priority,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Erik Ihle, a 17th District command center watchstander. “We utilize both air and surface assets to perform rapid, efficient medical evacuations when minutes count.”
Weather during the fishing vessel medevac was reported as 1-foot seas and 7 mph winds. Weather during the cruise ship medevac was reported as 3-foot seas and 10 mph winds.
