Ailing fisherman airlifted near Dutch Harbor

A U.S. Coast Guard helicopter crew medevaced a crewmember from the fishing vessel Unimak near Dutch Harbor on Aug. 1 after receiving reports that the individual had experienced abdominal pain, headaches and fever for several days.

Coast Guard 17th District watchstanders responded to a call from Health Force Partners in Seattle, who requested an immediate medevac.

An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew deployed with Coast Guard Cutter Midgett on a Bering Sea patrol left Dutch Harbor to hoisted the man and transport him to emergency medical services at Dutch Harbor.

Weather on scene at the time was reported as 18-mile-an-hour winds and overcast, with 6-foot seas.

Chief Warrant Officer Joseph Ayd, District 17 command duty officer, noted that the Coast Guard maintains a year-round cutter presence with search and rescue capable MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew aboard in the Bering Sea, which allowed the crewmember to receive advanced medical care as quickly as possible.

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