The Coast Guard medevaced a 36-year-old man from the 252-foot fishing vessel American Triumph approximately 92 miles north of Cold Bay, Alaska, Thursday.
A Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew forward deployed in Cold Bay safely hoisted the man and transported him to awaiting emergency medical services in Cold Bay.
Watchstanders at the Coast Guard 17th District command center in Juneau were notified of the man’s injury by the crew of the American Triumph. It was reported two of the man's fingers were severed by a steel door. Watchstanders consulted the duty flight surgeon who recommended the medevac.
"This case illustrates the importance of forward deploying our hoist capable helicopters in Alaska," said Lt. Cmdr. Douglas Watson, search and rescue mission coordinator, Coast Guard 17th District. "We were able to respond quickly to the American Triumph and get the injured mariner to higher care.”
Weather conditions at the time of the medevac were reportedly 11 mph winds with calm seas.