VIDEO RELEASE: Coast Guard medevacs cruise ship passenger near Fairweather Grounds, Alaska

News Release

Sept. 7, 2017 U.S. Coast Guard 17th District Alaska Contact: 17th District Public Affairs Office: (907) 428-4181 After Hours: (907) 321-4513

Coast Guard medevacs cruise ship passenger near Fairweather Grounds, Alaska

A Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew medevaced a 42-year-old female from the cruise ship Celebrity Infinity near Fairweather Grounds, Alaska, Sept. 7, 2017. The Jayhawk crew transported the woman to awaiting emergency personnel in Sitka, Alaska. U.S. Coast Guard video

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JUNEAU, Alaska— A Coast Guard Air Station Sitka MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew medevaced a 42-year-old female from the cruise ship Celebrity Infinity near Fairweather Grounds, Alaska, Thursday.

 

The Jayhawk crew transferred the cruise ship passenger to awaiting emergency personnel in Sitka.

 

Coast Guard Sector Juneau watchstanders received a medevac request from the crew of the Celebrity Infinity reporting that the passenger was suffering from stroke symptoms. Watchstanders briefed the duty flight surgeon who recommended medevac within four hours. Watchstanders requested the launch of the Jayhawk crew.

 

“Safety is paramount, especially during any response that requires hoisting by helicopter,” said Ens. Alexander Henry, a Sector Juneau watchstander. “Great communication between the Coast Guard, the Celebrity Infinity crew and EMS personnel enabled a safe, efficient transfer of the passenger to a higher level of care.”

 

Weather on scene was reported as 17-mph winds and 7-foot seas.