JUNEAU, Alaska — A Coast Air Station Sitka MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew medevaced an injured passenger from a cruise ship in Glacier Bay Friday.
The Jayhawk crew safely hoisted the passenger, who was reportedly suffering from stroke-like symptoms, and transported her to Juneau for further transport to Bartlett Regional Hospital by emergency medical services.
Coast Guard 17th District command center watchstanders received the medevac request from the crew of the Coral Princess and directed the Jayhawk crew to respond. The Jayhawk crew, which was already airborne on an aids to navigation mission, returned to Air Station Sitka to refuel and embark a rescue swimmer before flying to the cruise ship.
Once on-scene, the aircrew safely hoisted the ailing passenger and transported her to Juneau.
"Glacier Bay is in a remote part of Southeast Alaska, and our hoist capable helicopters are some of the very few responders with the ability to conduct an emergency medevac on short notice," said Lt. Sarah Morin, a 17th District watchstander. "Our crews train regularly in order to safely and efficiently transport the sick or injured to a higher level of care when necessary."
For more information, contact Petty Officer 3rd Class Grant DeVuyst at 907-321-1866.