KODIAK, Alaska — The Coast Guard medevaced an ailing 69-year-old man from the 50-foot fishing vessel Sierra Seas near Village Islands off Kodiak, Sunday.

An Air Station Kodiak MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew landed on a nearby beach where the mariner and his wife were picked up for transport to awaiting emergency medical services in Kodiak.

Watchstanders at the 17^th District command center in Juneau received the report from Kodiak Police Department that the man was suffering acute stomach pains from pre-existing medical conditions and needed assistance. The duty flight surgeon recommended medevac and the helicopter crew was dispatched to the scene.

“The Coast Guard provides a critical link to lifesaving medical services for mariners with medical emergencies,” said Petty Officer 1^st Class Amy Canny, 17^th District command center watchstander. “The capabilities of our helicopters allow us to retrieve and deliver patients to EMS; reducing the time it takes for patients to receive medical care.”

Weather at the time of the incident was reported as winds at 17 mph and 2-foot waves.

  Alaska, kodiak island, mariner, sierra seas, village islands