JUNEAU, Alaska — A Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew out of Forward Operating Location Cold Bay medevaced an injured fisherman off fishing vessel Barbara J near Unimak Pass, Alaska, Sunday.
The helicopter crew hoisted the man and transported him to Cold Bay where they were met by LifeFlight Air Ambulance personnel who transferred him to Anchorage for medical treatment.
Coast Guard 17th District watchstanders received a request for medevac for the man after he became injured from falling down a stairwell. The duty flight surgeon was briefed and recommended an immediate medevac to Anchorage.
“This case highlights the value of our hoist capable helicopters deployed in forward operating locations throughout Alaska,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Francell Abbott, a Coast Guard 17th District watchstander. “Alaska response assets, such as our Jayhawk crews, are able to respond quickly to medical cases involving mariners aboard vessels engaged in the busy fisheries of Western Alaska and get them to the advanced care they need.”
Weather on scene was reported as 29-mph winds and 6-foot seas.