Coast Guard responds to Hurricane Dorian aftermath in Marsh Harbour

Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater forward deployed MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crews medevac seven critical patients from the Marsh Harbour Clinic to Nassau, Bahamas for further medical care. As Hurricane Dorian makes it way across the Bahamas, the Coast Guard is ready to assist as needed. (U.S. Coast Guard photo).

MIAMI — Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crews, forward deployed to Andros Island, medevaced 19 people from the Marsh Harbour Clinic to Nassau International Airport, Monday.

Four Jayhawk aircrews completed five medical evacuations of 19 people, ranging in ages from children to elderly, from the Marsh Harbour clinic to Nassau emergency medical personnel at the Nassau International Airport in various medical conditions.

As Hurricane Dorian began to make it’s way toward the Bahamas, the Coast Guard pre-positioned several surface assets in Key West and positioned Jayhawk helicopter crews on Andros Island to be able to respond to the devastation created by Hurricane Dorian.

The Coast Guard plans to continue it’s search in the Bahamas at first light Tuesday.

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Coast Guard aircrew medevacs 42-year-old woman off fishing vessel near Noyes Island, Alaska

An MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Sitka medevacs an injured 42-year-old woman off a fishing vessel north of Noyes Island, Alaska, July 18, 2019. The woman had suffered a head injury while working aboard the fishing vessel Western Cruiser in the water west of the island. U.S. Coast Guard video courtesy Air Station Sitka.

U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class David Mosley (archive).

JUNEAU, Alaska — A Coast Guard aircrew medevaced a 42-year-old woman off a fishing vessel near Noyes Island, Thursday.

The MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Sitka transported her to Sitka where they transferred the woman to waiting emergency medical service personnel, who took her to Mt. Edgecumbe Hospital for further care.

Around 11:40 a.m., Coast Guard Sector Juneau watchstanders received a call from Craig City Harbormaster staff, who stated a member of the crew was bleeding and in an out of consciousness after a blunt object impacted her head.

The Jayhawk crew was already airborne and was diverted based on new information.

A Craig City Harbormaster crew also responded aboard a 25-foot boat and met the crew of the Western Cruiser near Cape Ulitka on the north end of Noyes Island, followed shortly after by the Jayhawk crew.

“A harbormaster had gotten there before us and dropped off an EMT,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Aaron Eckstein, rescue swimmer on the response. “So he had a chance to look her over and the bleeding was under control at that point.”

Eckstein evaluated her, and with her stable condition combined with fuel constraints the aircrew elected to conduct a basket hoist.

“Overall it was a very smooth hoist, and the crew members on board were very welcoming and helped out,” said Eckstein. “The crew assisted in getting her over to the basket and one of the crew members assisted with the trail line.”

After she was hoisted, the aircrew did a bear hook recovery of Eckstein and made the approximately hour long transit to Sitka.

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Coast Guard Cutter Vigilant crew returns home after Caribbean patrol

A member of Coast Guard Maritime Security Response Team West fast-ropes from a 176th Wing, 210th Rescue Squadron Alaska Air National Guard UH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter onto the deck of one of the Coast Guard Cutters, specifically the Alex Haley (WMEC 39), in a joint training exercise in Chiniak Bay, Alaska, Feb. 23, 2019. Team members are trained and are technically proficient in advanced techniques with federal, state and local partners to protect the nation from threats at sea and in air. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Lauren Dean (archive). 

US Coast Guard Cutter Vigilant, photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Luke Clayton.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. —The crew of the​Coast Guard Cutter Vigilant​ returned home Sunday to Cape Canaveral after a two-month Caribbean patrol.

The crew's patrol focused on enforcing U.S. federal laws by conducting boardings of U.S. and international vessels throughout the Caribbean basin, while working with other government agencies and international partners, to increase national security.

While on patrol, the crew ensured the safe return of 50 Haitian migrants to their home country after their illegal and dangerous voyage was disrupted by the crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Robert Yered, a fast-response cutter homeported in Miami. The crew was also involved in a search for a person reported to be in the water after falling overboard from his sailing vessel.

The Vigilant crew​ interdicted a go-fast vessel illegally smuggling 7,800 lbs of garlic from Haiti to the Dominican Republic. Garlic smuggling is a global issue on the rise and has had negative impacts on the agricultural industry in the Dominican Republic in the last few years. Upon hearing of the interdiction, the Dominican Navy sent a ship to meet the Vigilant to take over the case for the prosecution. The contraband was valued at approximately $30,000 and was the largest Coast Guard seizure of its kind.

During their 59-day patrol, the crew strengthened multiple international and domestic partnerships by working with agencies including the Jamaican Defense Force, Royal Bahamian Defense Force, Dominican Navy, U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency and the U.S. Navy.

The Vigilant is a multi-mission​ 210-foot Medium Endurance Cutter​ whose missions include illegal drug and migrant interdiction, as well as search and rescue. 

The Vigilant patrols throughout the Caribbean basin and Atlantic seaboard to ensure safety of life at sea and enforce international and domestic laws.

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Coast Guard assists Troopers, Juneau Mountain Rescue, to save 2 hikers near Lemon Creek Glacier, Alaska

U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class David Paquin (archive).

KODIAK, Alaska - A Coast Guard Air Station Sitka MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter aircrew medevaced two elderly men from Lemon Creek Glacier, Alaska, Sunday.

The aircrew hoisted both men and two Juneau Mountain Rescue personnel from the Glacier.​

Both men were transported to awaiting emergency medical services for further care. They were reported to have been fatigued but had no reported injuries.​

Sector Juneau command center watchstanders received notification from Alaska State Troopers of two hikers requiring a medical evacuation.

Juneau Mountain Rescue personnel spent the day searching for the men and located them, but​ were unable to bring them back down due to rugged terrain. Sector Juneau directed the launch of an Air Station Sitka helicopter aircrew to assist.​

"This case highlighted the great working relationship between the Coast Guard and Juneau Mountain Rescue," said Lt. Kellen Browne, a pilot on the case. "Preparation on the part of the survivors with the proper communication equipment was key to the successful rescue of the two hikers."

Weather on scene was 10 mph winds, 10 miles visibility and an air temperature of 50 degrees.​

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Coast Guard medevacs 55-year-old Canadian man from cruise ship 100 miles off Cape Hatteras, NC

An MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter aircrew from Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City, North Carolina, medevacs a 55-year-old Canadian man and his wife from the cruise ship Anthem of the Seas, 100 miles southeast of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, June 14, 2019. The medevac was requested for the 55-year-old male, who was reportedly suffering from abdominal pain. (U.S. Coast Guard video courtesy of Air Station Elizabeth City).

HATTERAS, N.C. — The Coast Guard medevaced a 55-year-old Canadian man from a cruise ship 100 miles southeast of Cape Hatteras Friday morning.

Watchstanders at the Coast Guard’s 5th District command center in Portsmouth, Virginia, initially received the report via phone call from personnel aboard the cruise ship Anthem of the Seas, who stated that one of their passengers had reportedly been suffering from abdominal pain.

Watchstanders from the command center launched MH-60 Jayhawk and HC-130 Hercules aircrews from Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City to respond.

Once on-scene, the Jayhawk aircrew hoisted both the patient and his wife aboard the helicopter and transported them to Carteret Health Care Medical Center in Morehead City, North Carolina.

“Conducting a medevac from a cruise ship can be difficult sometimes, especially in bad weather,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Alex Morris, the aviation maintenance technician who worked the hoisting mechanism for this medevac. “Thanks to the constant training we conduct, we’ve remained capable and ready to respond to the calls of people in distress at sea.”

U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Ronald Hodges.

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Coast Guard airlifts stranded hiker at Ecola State Park

U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Levi Read (archive).

ASTORIA, Ore. — The Coast Guard airlifted a hiker stranded on a rock piling at Ecola State Park, Wednesday night.

An aircrew aboard an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter, from​ Coast Guard Sector Columbia River, hoisted the uninjured man and transported him to Air Station Astoria.

Coast Guard watchstanders at the Sector Columbia River Command Center received a dispatch from local authorities at 9:18 p.m., that a hiker had stranded himself on rock pilings and was surrounded by water and oncoming waves.

The aircrew launched from Air Station Astoria at 9:35 p.m. and arrived on scene at 9:52 p.m.

The aircrew successfully completed the hoist and arrived at Air Station Astoria at 10:20 p.m.

The Coast Guard reminds the public to stay alert of their surroundings and pay attention to the tides when venturing out on ocean beaches.

More information on recreational safety can be found on the Coast Guard Mobile Application: https://uscgboating.org/mobile/

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Coast Guard searching for missing vessel east of Port Canaveral

An MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew from Air Station Clearwater prepare the aircraft, U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Michael De Nyse (archive).

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Coast Guard is searching Sunday for a missing vessel east of Port Canaveral.​

Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville Command Center watchstanders received a distress call at 4 p.m. from a vessel stating they were caught in a storm and were in need of assistance.

Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater​ MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew and a Station Port Canaveral 45-foot Response Boat-Medium commenced searching.

An Air Station Miami HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircraft crew also launched to assist in the search.

Anyone with information that can assist in the search is asked to contact Sector Jacksonville Command Center watchstanders at 904-714-7555.

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Pilots aboard an HC-144 Ocean Sentry airplane from Coast Guard Air Station Miami.

U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Michael De Nyse (archive).

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Coast Guard assists crew aboard sinking boat near San Clemente Island

A Coast Guard Sector San Diego MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew delivers a dewatering pump to the fishing vessel Jonesita near San Clemente Island off the coast of San Diego June 2, 2019. The Coast Guard Cutter Sea Otter escorted the boat safely into port once the flooding was under control. (U.S. Coast Guard video).

SAN DIEGO —​ The Coast Guard provided assistance to the crew aboard a sinking boat near San Clemente Island, approximately 70 miles off the Coast of San Diego late Saturday night and into Sunday morning.​

The master of the fishing vessel Jonesita contacted Coast Guard Sector San Diego Joint Harbor Operations Center watchstanders at approximately 10:30 p.m., Saturday, reporting they'd struck a rock while pulling up the anchor, were taking on water and were unable to make way.​

Watchstanders diverted the Coast Guard Cutter Sea Otter (WPB-87362) and launched a Coast Guard Sector San Diego MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter with a dewatering pump aboard to assist.

Once on scene, the Jayhawk crew rescue swimmer entered the water and swam to the Jonesita to assess the situation and render assistance. Just after midnight, the Jayhawk crew delivered the dewatering pump and the crew of the Sea Otter arrived to help stem the flow of water into the Jonesita.​ 

Once the flooding was under control, the Sea Otter escorted the Jonesita to Mission Bay.

Damage to the bow of the fishing vessel Jonesita is seen at Driscoll's Marina in Mission Bay, Calif., after the boat struck a submerged object near San Clemente Island off the coast of San Diego June 2, 2019. A Coast Guard Sector San Diego MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew delivered a dewatering pump to the Jonesita and the Coast Guard Cutter Sea Otter escorted the boat safely into port once the flooding was under control. (U.S. Coast Guard photo).

The fishing vessel Jonesita makes way after striking a submerged object near San Clemente Island off the coast of San Diego June 2, 2019. A Coast Guard Sector San Diego MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew delivered a dewatering pump to the Jonesita and the Coast Guard Cutter Sea Otter escorted the boat safely into port once the flooding was under control. (U.S. Coast Guard photo).

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Coast Guard medevacs 70-year-old man from sailboat 100 miles west of San Diego

A Coast Guard Sector San Diego MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew medevac a 70-year-old man from a 47-foot sailboat approximately 100 miles west of San Diego May 31, 2019. The helicopter crew transported the patient to Sector San Diego and transferred him to awaiting medical personnel. (U.S. Coast Guard video)

SAN DIEGO —​ The Coast Guard medevaced a 70-year-old man from a 47-foot sailboat approximately 100 miles west of San Diego, Friday.

The master of the sailboat, Macondo, contacted Coast Guard Sector San Diego Joint Harbor Operations Center watchstanders at approximately 12:20 p.m. requesting assistance for an ill passenger who was displaying symptoms of severe dehydration.​

Watchstanders​ launched a Coast Guard Sector San Diego MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter with a San Diego Fire-Rescue Department Special Tactics and Rescue (STAR) Team paramedic aboard to assist.

Once on scene, the Jayhawk crew rescue swimmer entered the water and swam to the Macondo to assess the patient. The rescue swimmer and the patient then entered the water to create a safe distance between the sailboat's mast and the helicopter. The helicopter crew then lowered a rescue basket​ to hoist the patient into the helicopter, where the STAR Team paramedic rendered assistance.

The crew transported the patient to Sector San Diego and transferred him to awaiting medical personnel just after 4 p.m.

The patient was taken to UC San Diego Medical Center-Hillcrest and was reported to be in stable condition.

U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Joel Guzman (archive).

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Coast Guard continues search for missing fishermen near Block Island, RI

MH-60 Jayhawk Cape Cod ©USCG (archive)

BOSTON – Multiple Coast Guard crews and good Samaritans searched throughout the day Tuesday for two missing fishermen after their boat capsized and sank approximately two and half miles southeast of Block Island, Rhode Island.

The captain of the fishing vessel Mistress notified watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England at around 1:30 a.m. that the boat was taking on water.

The watchstanders issued an urgent marine information broadcast to vessels in the area to request assistance for the crew of the Mistress.

The fishing boat Captain Bligh responded and rescued one crew member from a life boat. The remaining two crew members have not been located.

Low visibility and poor weather conditions hampered initial searches, but multiple crews launched as visibility improved.

The following crews searched a 375 square nautical mile area:

-Coast Guard Cutter Sanibel
-Coast Guard Cutter Steelhead
-Coast Guard Cutter Escanaba
-An Air Station Cape Cod MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter and an HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircraft
-A 45-foot response boat from Station Point Judith
-A 47-foot Motor Lifeboat from Station Menemsha

Coast Guard Cutter Escanaba and Steelhead are expected to stay on scene through the night.

HC-144 Ocean Sentry Cape Cod ©USCG (archive)

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Coast Guard suspends search for downed aircraft 110 miles east of Charleston

HC-130 Hercules ©USCG (archive)

CHARLERSTON, S.C. - The Coast Guard suspended their search Saturday evening for a downed civilian aircraft approximately 110 miles east of Charleston.

Coast Guard 7th District suspended the search after searching approximately 3,516 square miles for 76 hours.

"It is with a heavy heart that we suspend our search for the missing aircraft and its five passengers," said Capt. John Reed, Commander, Sector Charleston. "I have spoken with the family of those that were on this plane and extend my deepest sympathies to them and all those who have been hit by this tragic loss at sea."

The Air Force Rescue Coordination Center (AFRCC) notified Coast Guard 7th Districtwatchstanders Thursday of a civilian aircraft emergency at 11:33 a.m. The Jacksonville Air Route Traffic Control Center received a report from the aircraft of an in-flight emergency, lost contact on radar and notified the AFRCC. The aircraft, a Piper PA-31, was leaving from South Carolina to the Bahamas.

Involved in the search were:

• Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City HC-130 Hercules aircraft
• Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter
• Coast Guard Cutter Hamilton
• Coast Guard Cutter Nathan Bruckenthal
• Navy P-3 Orion
• Commercial vessel Seabulk Challenge

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Coast Guard medevacs hiker after bear attack near Kodiak, Alaska

The Coast Guard medevacs a hiker Oct. 26, 2018, after he was mauled by a bear on Afognak Island, just north of Kodiak Island. The MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew from Air Station Kodiak hoisted the 31-year-old man who sustained multiple lacerations to his leg and brought him to Air Station Kodiak where he was placed in the care of awaiting EMS. U.S. Coast Guard video by Air Station Kodiak

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — The Coast Guard medevaced a hiker Friday after he was mauled by a bear on Afognak Island, just north of Kodiak Island.

A MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew from Air Station Kodiak hoisted the 31-year-old man who sustained multiple lacerations to his leg and brought him to Air Station Kodiak where he was placed in the care of awaiting EMS.

Watchstanders in the Coast Guard District 17 command center in Juneau received a call via satellite phone from a member of the hiking party requesting the medevac at approximately 1 p.m.

Watchstanders in the Sector Anchorage command center in Anchorage assumed the role of search and rescue mission coordinators and requested the launch of the helicopter crew.

"The Coast Guard in Alaska is best known for maritime search and rescue," said Coast Guard Ens. Scott Peters, Sector Anchorage command duty officer for the case. "But our helicopter crews often conduct inland search and rescue operations as well. Urgent situations like today require swift response from properly trained people, with assets capable of responding to persons in distress. Today that was us."

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Coast Guard responds to downed aircraft 110 miles east of Charleston

MH-60 Jayhawk ©USCG (archive)

CHARLESTON, S.C. — The Coast Guard is responding to a downed aircraft Thursday approximately 110 miles east of Charleston.

The Air Force Rescue Coordination Center (AFRCC) notified Coast Guard 7th District watchstanders of a civilian aircraft emergency at 11:33 a.m. The Jacksonville Air Route Traffic Control Center received a report from the aircraft of an in-flight emergency, lost contact on radar and notified the AFRCC. The aircraft, a Piper PA-31, was leaving from South Carolina to the Bahamas. 

Assisting in the response are:

• Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City HC-130 Hercules aircraft
• Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter
• Coast Guard Cutter Hamilton
• Coast Guard Cutter Nathan Bruckenthal
• Commercial vessel Seabulk Challenge
• Navy P-3 Orion

USCG Cutter Nathan Bruckenthal ©USCG (archive)

HC-130J Hercules ©USCG (archive)

USCG Cutter Hamilton ©USCG (archive)

US Navy P-3 Orion ©United States Navy

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