Coast Guard rescues hiker from Harris Island, Alaska

 

News Release

April 28, 2017 U.S. Coast Guard 17th District Alaska Contact: 17th District Public Affairs Office: (907) 463-2065 After Hours: (907) 209-8731

Coast Guard rescues injured hiker from Harris Island, Alaska 

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JUNEAU, Alaska — A Coast Guard Air Station Sitka aircrew rescued an injured man from Harris Island, Sitka, Friday morning.

The Air Station Sitka helicopter crew hoisted the man and transported him to Air Station Sitka where he was met by awaiting emergency medical services personnel.

Coast Guard Sector Juneau command center watchstanders received a phone call reporting an injured 70-year-old man on Harris Island at approximately 10:30 a.m. It was reported that the man was hiking across the Sitka Causeway at low tide, slipped and fell injuring his head and neck. Sector watchstanders quickly launched an MH-60 Jayhawk rescue helicopter crew, which arrived on scene, lowered a rescue swimmer to evaluate the man, hoisted him and took him to safety.

“We urge anyone hiking to use extreme caution and be aware of often unstable surfaces,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Francell Abbott, Coast Guard Sector Juneau watchstander.  “This man was in a bad situation, but the fast response of the Jayhawk crew prevented it from becoming worse.”

Weather on scene at the time of the hoist was heavy rain.

 

-USCG-