SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – A Coast Guard Air Station Borinquen helicopter crew safely evacuated a hunting accident victim from Mona Island, Puerto Rico Tuesday.
Coast Guard Sector San Juan command center received notification Tuesday afternoon of a man who suffered from a hunting related gun shot wound on Mona Island. The initial notification informing Coast Guard personnel of the emergency situation came from the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources and was subsequently relayed through Puerto Rico Joint Forces of Rapid Action.
Upon notification, the command center immediately coordinated the launch of a Coast Guard MH-65 dolphin rescue helicopter crew from air station Borinquen. With the help of DPNR officers on the island, the helicopter crew quickly located the victim.
The rescue crew safely lifted the victim from the island and provided emergency medical care to the victim.
"The excellent coordination and professionalism between all agencies involved enabled our crew to conduct the successful evacuation from the remote island resulting in another life saved," said Lt. j.g. Jack Suave, helicopter co-pilot. "Search and rescue is one of the Coast Guard’s primary missions. Utilizing assets that are assigned to Coast Guard units around the island, such as helicopters, small boats, and cutters, the Coast Guard is ready to respond to emergencies such as this most recent emergency medical evacuation."
The man was recovered in stable condition, having sustained injuries to his sternum, shoulder, and hands. He was immediately transported to Centro Medico in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, where he received additional medical treatment.