1,300-Mile Medevac: How the US Coast Guard Saved a Seafarer in the Atlantic
A critically ill crewmember was rescued from a boxship 1,300 nautical miles from shore after onboard treatment failed.
The U.S. Coast Guard carried out a complex, long-distance medical evacuation over the weekend to rescue a critically ill crewmember from a container ship in the Atlantic Ocean.
The seafarer, who developed a severe infection that left him unable to move, showed no signs of improvement despite medical treatment available on board. The ship’s captain alerted authorities on Wednesday night after determining the situation required urgent intervention.
Coordinating a Rescue Across Thousands of Miles: coast guard medevac
When the distress call was made, the Kotka, a 1996-built container vessel, was approximately 1,300 nautical miles from the nearest land, positioned roughly halfway between the Windward Islands and Senegal. This distance placed it far beyond the reach of standard Coast Guard medevac operations. The San Juan station took command of the mission and directed the ship to alter its course toward St. Maarten to shorten the rescue distance.
The Kotka adjusted its heading and sailed west at 17 knots. Meanwhile, Air Station Borinquen deployed a Jayhawk helicopter to St. Maarten in anticipation of the evacuation. To ensure reliable communication over the vast ocean, Air Station Miami sent an HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircraft to serve as a relay.
On Saturday, the helicopter crew met the Kotka about 100 nautical miles east of St. Maarten. The ship’s crew assisted in the transfer, using a wheeled office chair to move the patient to a clear area on deck before securing him in a rescue basket. The aircrew hoisted him aboard and flew him to San Juan, where he was taken to a hospital for advanced medical treatment.
“Our team performed exceptionally throughout this intricate, multi-day operation. We recognize the skill of our aircrew in reaching the vessel and transporting the crewmember to shore for the critical care he needed. We are optimistic about his recovery.”
Robert E. Stiles
·
Coast Guard Search and Rescue Mission Coordinator
La Guardia Costera confirmó que el paciente se encuentra estable tras recibir atención médica en San Juan. El operativo concluyó sin incidentes adicionales, aunque se mantendrá el seguimiento de su evolución en coordinación con las autoridades sanitarias locales. La próxima actualización sobre su estado se emitirá en un plazo de 48 horas, según el protocolo establecido para casos de evacuación marítima.
Sign up free to ask CAMAL AI for a summary, the key points or anything else about this story.
Related stories
CAMAL AI
Financial Ports Newsletter
The maritime economy, every morning
Ports, shipping and freight markets in one short email. Free.
