November 1, 2015
HONOLULU — The Coast Guard medically evacuated an injured 43-year-old crewmember from a vessel approximately 100 miles off Oahu, Saturday.
The man is receiving treatment at Queens Medical Center following transport by a MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Air Station Barbers Point.
“Our hoist capable helicopters are a vital resource to mariners in the region,” said Petty Officer Fist Class Chris Awe of Coast Guard Joint Rescue and Coordination Center Honolulu. “Vessel crews transiting the Pacific have limited access to emergency medicine due to the vast distances between ports. We work closely with emergency responders and medial personnel throughout the region to ensure access to a higher level of care as quickly as possible when needed."
Watchstanders at the Coast Guard JRCC Honolulu received a medevac request from vessel BW Helios after a crewmember sustained a serious eye injury Friday.
The duty Coast Guard flight surgeon was briefed and recommended a medevac. The watchstanders directed the vessel’s master to alter course toward Hawaii to close the distance to Oahu and bring the injured man within range of the Dolphin crew.
The Dolphin crew launched from Air Station Barbers Point Saturday, arrived on scene at 3:30 p.m. and successfully hoisted the man aboard. An HC-130 Hercules airplane crew, also from Air Station Barbers Point, flew cover for the Dolphin crew due to the distance offshore and assisted with communications.
The man was safely transferred at 4:30 p.m. to awaiting EMS at Air Station Barbers Point for further transport to Queen’s Medical Center. He is reported to be in stable condition.
The BW Helios is a 615-foot Norwegian-flagged liquified petroleum gas tanker on a voyage from Panama to Korea.