USCG Medevacs Ailing Cruise Ship Passenger

An aircrew from U.S. Coast Guard Sector San Diego conducted a medevac for a passenger who was experiencing internal bleeding aboard a cruise ship approximately 230 miles south of San Diego Monday morning.

The crew of the Carnival Miracle contacted the Coast Guard Sunday afternoon requesting a medevac for the 52-year-old man.

A Coast Guard flight surgeon recommended an immediate medevac for the man and the cruise ship transited north to put them in helicopter range of San Diego.

An MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew launched from Sector San Diego at approximately 10 p.m. and flew to the ship’s location.

Once on scene, the Jayhawk crew hoisted the patient and a nurse from the cruise ship. The crew transported them back to San Diego, where the man was transferred to emergency medical personnel for further care at approximately 12:40 a.m.

A C-130 Hercules aircraft crew from Air Station Sacramento also flew to provide communications support during the medevac. Coast Guard Cutter Waesche also diverted to a position that would allow the helicopter crew to land and refuel aboard the cutter if necessary.

[mappress]

uscg, March 25, 2014