Home / Disasters and Accidents / Coast Guard Airlifts Sick Fisherman 70 Miles Offshore
Coast Guard Airlifts Sick Fisherman 70 Miles Offshore
21 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Coast Guard helicopter medically evacuated a fisherman 70 miles offshore.
- Fisherman experienced apparent stroke symptoms and needed rapid transport.
- Rescue occurred in choppy seas with winds gusting to 15 knots.
On Saturday, the U.S. Coast Guard successfully completed a critical long-distance medical evacuation, airlifting a distressed fisherman approximately 70 miles from shore. The operation commenced after watchstanders at the Coast Guard Delaware Bay sector received a distress call regarding a seriously ill crewman aboard the fishing vessel 'Ocean Prowler.'
A 39-year-old fisherman was experiencing what appeared to be stroke-like symptoms, necessitating urgent hospital care. Given the urgency advised by a flight surgeon, a Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin helicopter was dispatched from Atlantic City. Despite challenging conditions, including 5-foot seas and winds gusting to 15 knots, the fisherman was safely hoisted aboard.
The helicopter then transported the fisherman to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center in Atlantic City for a higher level of medical treatment. Authorities have not yet released the fisherman's condition or identity.
