Medical Evacuation by Coast Guard from Tank Vessel off Oahu
On Saturday, the Coast Guard medically evacuated an injured 43-year-old crew member from a vessel approximately 100 miles off Oahu to be treated at Queens Medical Center following transport by a MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Air Station Barbers Point.
Petty Officer First Class Chris Awe of Coast Guard Joint Rescue and Coordination Center Honolulu said,. “Vessel crews transiting the Pacific have limited access to emergency medicine due to the vast distances between ports. The Coast Guard JRCC Honolulu work closely with emergency responders to ensure access to a higher level of care as quickly as possible when needed.”
The BW Helios, a 615-foot Norwegian-flagged liquified petroleum gas tanker on a voyage from Panama to Korea, sent a medevac request on Friday to the Coast Guard for a crew member who sustained a serious eye injury. The watchstanders directed the vessel’s master to alter course to Oahu and bring the injured man within range of the Dolphin crew.
The Dolphin crew arrived on scene at 3:30 p.m. and successfully hoisted the man aboard. An HC-130 Hercules airplane crew, also from Air Station Barbers Point, flew cover for the Dolphin crew due to the distance offshore and assisted with communications.
The man was safely transferred at 4:30 p.m. to awaiting EMS at Air Station Barbers Point for further transport to Queen’s Medical Center. He is reported to be in stable condition.
Source: Khon2
