A 69-year-old charter fisherman reported heart problems today (07-19-16). The Coast Guard medevaced him to Sitka. (Photo courtesy of Big Blue Charters)
A Coast Guard aircrew medevaced a man from a charter vessel Tuesday morning (07-19-16). The vessel was located in Snipe Bay, 40 nautical miles south of Sitka.
The captain aboard the 30-foot Sapphire Blue, operated by Big Blue Charters, reported a 69-year-old man suffering heart problems. Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Juneau consulted the duty flight surgeon, who recommended a medevac.
An Air Station Sitka helicopter crew arrived at 9:30 a.m. A rescue swimmer was lowered on a hook. Once aboard the vessel, the aircrew lowered a rescue basket and the 69-year-old man was placed inside. He was then sent up to the helicopter and transported to Sitka, where he was met by EMS personnel.
In a press release, Petty Officer 1st Class Geno Kludt of Coast Guard Sector Juneau said, “Our crews train year round for moments like these, in the hopes of giving those in need a second opportunity to rejoin their families.”
At the time of the hoist, the weather on scene was 10 mph winds, 6 foot seas, and 2 miles visibility.
