What happened to the fisherman rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard?

The fisherman was suffering from apparent stroke symptoms and was medically evacuated by a Coast Guard helicopter.

How far offshore did the Coast Guard rescue occur?

The Coast Guard conducted the long-distance rescue approximately 70 miles offshore.

What challenges did the Coast Guard face during the rescue?

The rescue occurred in choppy seas with winds gusting to 15 knots, making conditions difficult.

Home / Disasters and Accidents / Coast Guard Airlifts Sick Fisherman 70 Miles Offshore

Coast Guard Airlifts Sick Fisherman 70 Miles Offshore

21 Dec

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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.

Coast Guard Airlifts Sick Fisherman 70 Miles Offshore

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.