Ill Merchant Seamen Dies at Sea
Posted by Eric Haun
August 20, 2015
A team of four Guardian Angel pararescuemen from the 129th Rescue Wing, Moffett Federal Airfield, Calif., parachutes to the Green Ridge container ship during an over-water rescue mission Aug. 18, 2015.
A multiagency rescue operation to help a seriously ill merchant sailor aboard a cargo ship in the Pacific Ocean was cancelled Wednesday morning after the man was declared deceased, the U.S. Coast guard announced.
Tuesday, at approximately 9:50 a.m., the 11th Coast Guard District Command Center received a report of a sick U.S. citizen aboard the Green Ridge, a 600-foot vehicle carrier, approximately 1,000 miles west of San Diego.
The command center requested assistance from the California Air National Guard who dispatched a team of four Guardian Angel pararescuemen to the Green Ridge aboard an Air Force MC-130P Combat Shadow aircraft. The pararescue team jumped into the ocean, boarded the ship and provided medical aid to the man.
The rescue center also contacted the U.S. Navy’s 3rd Fleet to assist, who diverted a Navy ship to rendezvous with the Green Ridge. The Navy ship's doctor declared the patient deceased Wednesday at approximately 6:15 a.m.
"Our thoughts go out to the shipmates, friends, and families of the crewmember," said Lt. Cmdr. Andrea Sacchetti, 11th Coast Guard District search-and-rescue mission coordinator. "We appreciate the quick response and dedication of the California Air National Guard's 129th Rescue Wing who risked their lives to help this gentleman and diligently worked hard through the night to provide care to the patient aboard the Green Ridge. We would also like to thank the U.S. Navy 3rd Fleet and the crew of the USS John C. Stennis and USS William P. Lawrence for diverting to assist with this complex operation."
“Our Guardian Angel Team worked hard through the evening to care for the sick crew member. Unfortunately, he passed away at approximately 6 a.m. according to a senior medical officer with the U.S. Navy,” Col. Gregory F. Jones, 129th Rescue Wing commander. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the loved ones of the crew member who passed away today. We send a heartfelt thanks to the remaining crew members of the Green Ridge who notified the proper authorities which resulted in our unit’s active response to the situation. We would also like to especially thank the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Navy for their coordination in assisting our efforts.”
