JUNEAU, Alaska — A Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew forward-deployed to Cordova medevaced a 63-year-old woman from the cruise ship Norwegian Sun near Yakutat, Sunday.
The aircrew hoisted the woman and safely transported her to Cordova Community Medical Center.
Coast Guard 17th District watchstanders received a report from the captain of the Norwegian Sun that the woman was suffering from abdominal complications. The watchstanders consulted with the duty flight surgeon, who recommended a medevac, and directed the launch of the forward-deployed aircrew.
“Our strategically placed forward-deployed assets and crews allow us to significantly decrease our response time during a distress call,” said Chief Petty Officer Josh Ryan, a District 17 watchstander. “The aviation support facility in Cordova is one of four seasonal Coast Guard forward operating locations in Alaska and is scheduled to remain in operation while activity is increased in the Gulf of Alaska.”
Weather on scene was reported as light and variable winds and calm seas.