VIDEO RELEASE: Coast Guard medevacs man from fishing vessel 154 miles east of Kodiak, Alaska

News Release

Sept. 5, 2017 U.S. Coast Guard 17th District Alaska Contact: 17th District Public Affairs Office: (907) 428-4181 After Hours: (907) 321-4513

Video release: Coast Guard medevacs man from fishing vessel 154 miles east of Kodiak, Alaska

A Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew medevacs a crewman from the fishing vessel Cape Greig 154 miles east of Kodiak, September 5, 2017. The Jayhawk crew safely hoisted the ill crewman and transferred him to awaiting emergency medical personnel in Kodiak. U.S. Coast Guard video

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KODIAK, Alaska — A Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew medevaced a crewman from the fishing vessel Cape Greig 154 miles east of Kodiak, Tuesday. 

The Jayhawk crew safely hoisted the ill crewman and transferred him to awaiting emergency medical personnel in Kodiak. 

Coast Guard District 17 Command Center watchstanders in Juneau received notification from Discovery Health Partners stating the 50-year-old crewman was experiencing symptoms of appendicitis. Watchstanders briefed the duty flight surgeon who recommended a medevac.

“Safety is paramount, especially during any response that requires hoisting by helicopter,” said Lt. Zephyr Mays, the pilot during the medevac. “Great communication between the Coast Guard, the crew of the Cape Greig, and EMS personnel enabled a safe, efficient transfer of the passenger to a higher level of care.”

Weather on scene at the time of the hoist was 17-mph winds with 8-foot seas.