Jayhawk Rescue 92 Miles Offshore

Aircrew Responds To Medical Emergency Off Georgia Coast

A Coast Guard helicopter crew medevaced a 56 year old man from a fishing vessel 92 miles offshore Brunswick, Georgia, after he reported gastrointestinal symptoms.

Watchstanders at Sector Charleston coordinated the response after consultation with a flight surgeon determined an air evacuation was necessary. The MH-60 Jayhawk crew hoisted the man from the vessel Still Fishing and transported him to St. Simons Island Airport for EMS care.

The Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater crew launched after receiving the request through Sector Charleston watchstanders, who were alerted by the operator of the 44-foot fishing vessel Still Fishing. With the vessel positioned far offshore, the duty flight surgeon recommended an immediate aerial medical evacuation.

Upon arrival, the Jayhawk crew safely hoisted the patient from the vessel and began the flight back to shore. The man was transported to St. Simons Island Airport, where emergency medical services personnel were waiting to provide further care.

The mission required close coordination between watchstanders, medical personnel, and aircrew members to overcome the challenges posed by the vessel’s location nearly 100 miles from land.

“This case highlights the importance of teamwork across the Coast Guard,” said Lt. Michael Allen, Sector Charleston search and rescue mission coordinator. “Our watchstanders did an exceptional job coordinating this medevac under challenging circumstances, and the Air Station Clearwater crew’s rapid and professional response helped ensure this man received the care he needed as quickly as possible.”

Far from shore, where distance can quickly become a medical emergency of it’s own, missions like this demonstrate how aviation continues to extend the reach of lifesaving care well beyond the horizon.

FMI: www.atlanticarea.uscg.mil/Our-Organization www.dco.uscg.mil/Our-Organization