HOUSTON — A Coast Guard Air Station Houston aircrew medevaced a 54-year-old man from a cargo ship about 100 miles southeast of Freeport Friday night.
"We truly take these cases personal and give 100 percent effort knowing that this gentleman is not only in desperate need of a higher level of care, but his family is counting on us to do our job and deliver him safely," said Lt. Cmdr. Rodney Rios, the helicopter pilot during the medevac. "It makes me proud that multiple units can rally to execute a risky and challenging mission at a moment's notice. Tonight our teamwork, interagency partnerships and commitment to service before self made a difference!"
At approximately 9:30 p.m., the crew of the 656-foot cargo ship Canadian Highway called Sector Houston-Galveston watchstanders to request a medevac for a crewmember who may have suffered a stroke.
Watchstanders launched an Air Station Houston MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew, which arrived on scene around 10:40 p.m., and Sector/Air Station Corpus Christi watchstanders launched an HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircrew to provide a cover for safety and communications. The crewmember was hoisted and transported to Clear Lake Regional Medical Center in Webster and was reported in stable condition.