USCG Medevacs Crewman from Bulker off Alaska
Image Courtesy: DVIDS Hub An injured crewman was medevacked from the 63,200 dwt bulk carrier Delsa some 130 miles southeast from Cold Bay, Alaska, on October 19, the United States Coast Guard (USCG) informed.
Coast Guard Communications Detachment Kodiak watchstanders received a call from the captain of the Delsa at 7:30 P.M. local time stating that the 42-year-old crewman fell 20-feet from scaffolding and has possible back and hip injuries.
A Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew hoisted the man at 10:45 P.M. and transported him to Cold Bay where he was transferred to commercial medical services. He was further transported to Anchorage, Alaska, for further medical care, according to the USCG.
Once the helicopter and crew arrived at the scene, Chief Petty Officer Matt Laub, an aviation survival technician, and a rescue litter were lowered to the top deck of the Delsa. Laub was escorted by the Delsa’s crew to a narrow staircase where it led to the cargo hold. He stabilized the man on the rescue litter then proceeded to direct the 150-foot hoist of the man from the cargo hold to the helicopter.
“This was a complex rescue due to the location of the man and the location of the Delsa’s mast and crane,” Laub said.
The 2015-built Ultramax bulk carrier is currently on its way to the Port of Portland, underway using engine, the ship’s AIS data shows.
