Discover the Atlas: Ratings & Maritime News

On December 1, 2017, a courageous medevac operation was executed by the US Coast Guard when a 50-year-old crew member aboard the bulk carrier "Atlas" required urgent medical assistance approximately 200 miles off the Columbia River. The captain of the vessel reported that the crewman was suffering serious symptoms resembling a heart attack or stroke, prompting immediate action from the Coast Guard 13th District Command Center. The situation was swiftly evaluated by a duty flight surgeon, who confirmed the need for evacuation and advised the crew to provide the patient with oxygen until medical personnel could arrive. At the time of the emergency, the "Atlas" was more than 300 miles offshore, making its way from Yokohama to Seattle, which raised concerns about the distance for a timely evacuation. To address this, Coast Guard sector personnel coordinated with the 13th District watchstanders to enlist the support of a fixed-wing aircraft for cover during the challenging operation. A C-27 Spartan from Coast Guard Air Station Sacramento, California, answered the call for assistance. Simultaneously, an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew from Coast Guard Sector Columbia River expertly conducted a hoisting operation, successfully retrieving the crewman from the bulk carrier. After the daring rescue, the individual was transported to Sector Columbia River and subsequently handed over to Life Flight Network personnel. The patient was then rushed to Oregon Health and Science University in Portland for further medical treatment. For more detailed coverage and images, visit: http://coastguardnews.com/coast-guard-medevacs-ill-man-after-400-mile-flight-off-oregon/2017/12/01/