KODIAK, Alaska — An Air Station Sitka MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew medevaced a 23-year-old man, who was suffering from appendicitis-like symptoms, from the 950-foot cruise ship Crown Princess 95 miles west of Juneau, Thursday.
The Jayhawk crew safely hoisted the man and transported him to Juneau where he was transferred to commercial emergency medical services for additional medical treatment.
Coast Guard 17th District Command Center watchstanders received the request from the master of the Crown Princess who reported the man’s symptoms. Due to the possibility of appendicitis the Coast Guard duty flight surgeon concurred with the need to medevac the man and deliver him to a higher level of medical care.
“This case illustrates the importance of our hoist-capable aircraft around the state of Alaska,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Erik Ihle, a watchstander at the Coast Guard 17thDistrict Command Center. “Many times, medevacs can be very time sensitive and this ability, along with the training of our aircrews, allows us to get the person in need to advanced medical care in a timely manner.”
Weather on scene at the time of the incident was reported as 10 mph winds and 1 to 2-foot seas.
