ANCHORAGE, Alaska — A Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew medevaced an ailing mariner from the fishing vessel Unimak near Dutch Harbor, Monday morning.
The helicopter crew, which is deployed with Coast Guard Cutter Midgett on a Bering Sea patrol, departed Dutch Harbor, hoisted the man and transported him to emergency medical services in Dutch Harbor.
Coast Guard 17th District watchstanders received a call from Health Force Partners in Seattle to report the crewmember was experiencing abdominal pain, headaches and a fever for several days. After his condition deteriorated, HFP requested an immediate medevac.
Watchstanders consulted with the duty flight surgeon and directed the launch of the helicopter crew.
“The Coast Guard maintains a year-round cutter presence with a search and rescue-capable MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew aboard in the Bering Sea,” said Chief Warrant Officer Joseph Ayd, District 17 command duty officer. “The aircrew’s readiness allowed the man to receive advanced medical care as quickly as possible.”
Weather on scene was reported as 18-mph winds, overcast and 6-foot seas.