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The U.S. Coast Guard said on Sunday that it medevaced a crew member from a tuna longliner 80 miles north of Kauai with its Air Station Barbers Point MH-65 Dolphin helicopter.
The Filipino fisherman, 37, was transported in stable condition to Lihue Airport, where paramedics from Emergency Medical Services were waiting.
“Our trained crews and hoist-capable aircraft are vital to ensuring mariners reach a higher level of medical care quickly,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Ashley Gray in a news release. “Our aircrews worked effectively with the fishermen to conduct the hoist, and delivered their crew member in stable condition to awaiting emergency medical services.”
The Coast Guard received the call for help at 7:15 a.m. Sunday from the owner of Tunago No. 51, a 159-foot, Vanuatu-flagged fishing vessel. The owner reported that the man had been ill for several days, was unable to keep food or water down, and was not improving. Following consultation with a duty flight surgeon, a medevac was recommended.
The Dolphin aircrew was diverted from training to conduct the medevac and was accompanied by an HC-130 Hercules that provided communications services.
Winds were reported at 10 to 20 miles per hour, with seas of 8 to 12 feet, at the time of the rescue.
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