Man medevaced near Sitka by Coast Guard, assisted by good samaritans

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Sunday, August 22nd, 2021 2:19pm

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Photo courtesy of U. S. Coast Guard

Juneau, Alaska (KINY) - A 68-year-old man was medevaced Thursday by the Coast Guard from the fishing vessel Beaufort Sea in West Crawfish Inlet, approximately 16 nautical miles south of Sitka, with assistance from good Samaritans.

Coast Guard Sector Juneau watchstanders received a report from the fishing vessel, Minke, at approximately 1:25 p.m. Thursday afternoon, that the captain of a nearby fishing vessel, Lady Cyprus, was experiencing heart complications. The Minke crew provided communications between the Coast Guard and the Lady Cyprus crew due to limited radio capabilities.

The man was transferred from the Lady Cyprus to the larger deck of the Beaufort Sea where there was easier access for the Coast Guard rescue swimmer to conduct the hoist.

A Coast Guard Air Station Sitka MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew hoisted the man from the good Samaritan vessel at 3 p.m. and transported him to awaiting Emergency Medical Services at Air Station Sitka.

“The good Samaritans in the area were critical to the timely recovery of the patient,” said Lt. John Orthman, Air Station Sitka pilot. “They provided on-scene support and communication relays with Sector Juneau.”

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