Coast Guard Evacuates Crewman From Bulker

Published Nov 3, 2015 6:50 PM by The Maritime Executive

On November 2, a team of U.S. Coast Guard search and rescue servicemembers worked fast to medevac a Ukrainian sailor from a bulker off of Cape Cod, Massachusetts.

U.S.C.G. servicemembers at the 1st Coast Guard District Command Center received a medevac request from the bulker Alice Oldendorff stating that a 28-year-old Ukranian crewmember was suffering from stomach pains.

After a conference call between the flight surgeon, the operator of the vessel, and the search and rescue mission coordinator, a medevac was recommended within a 12-hour window. The operator was instructed to change course and make best speed towards Cape Cod to decrease the time it would take to get the man to an appropriate medical facility.

Crews aboard an HC-144a twin-engine patrol plane and an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter responded to help. While the plane crew provided communication cover, the helicopter rescue crew safely hoisted the man and flew him to Cape Cod Hospital for treatment.

"Our priority was hoisting the patient and getting him ashore quickly," said Lt. Bryan Hoyt, a helicopter pilot at Air Station Cape Cod. "Teaming up with the [plane] crew helped us get on scene quickly, communicate with the operator of the vessel, and conduct the rescue."

At the time of the incident, the Alice Oldendorff was en route from Canada to New York, and was positioned about 130 nautical miles offshore. The Oldendorff is a geared, 50,000 dwt Portuguese-flagged bulk carrier owned by Oldendorff Carriers of Lübeck, Germany.