Blue-North Ship Details and Seafarer Feedback

On the evening of November 9, 2016, a critical medical evacuation operation unfolded in the frigid waters northwest of St. Paul, Alaska. A crew from Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak utilized an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter, stationed at Forward Operating Location Cold Bay, to airlift an injured fisherman from the vessel 'Blue North'. The emergency was initiated after Coast Guard 17th District watchstanders received a medevac request in the afternoon, reporting that a crew member had suffered a serious neck injury while on duty. Following consultations with the on-call flight surgeon, a medevac was deemed necessary. At the time of the request, the 'Blue North' was approximately 285 miles from St. Paul. Coast Guard watchstanders promptly directed the vessel to head towards St. Paul to ensure they would be within reach of the helicopter's hoisting capabilities. To support the operation, two HC-130 Hercules aircraft from Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak were also dispatched to the area. Once on scene, the Jayhawk crew successfully hoisted the 41-year-old man and transferred him to the C-130 Hercules crew, who then flew him to Anchorage for urgent medical attention. Weather conditions during the operation included winds reaching 25 mph and sea swells of 10 feet. For additional details and footage of the operation, visit http://www.uscgnews.com/go/doc/4007/2899566/

A groundbreaking shift in the fishing industry is underway as Seattle's Blue North has officially launched the F/V Blue North, an advanced fishing vessel designed to enhance worker conditions, curb environmental damage, and promote more humane seafood harvesting practices. This state-of-the-art longliner, purpose-built for the Alaskan cod fishery, was constructed by Dakota Creek Industries, Inc. in Anacortes, Washington, utilizing a cutting-edge design (ST-155L) developed by Norwegian specialists at Skipsteknisk AS. According to Blue North, this vessel represents "the most modern, low-impact and innovative ship to join the North Pacific fishing fleet." The F/V Blue North was ceremoniously named on September 9 at Fishermen's Terminal in Seattle, unveiling a suite of advanced technologies aimed at reducing environmental footprints while also improving the quality of seafood harvested and the overall work experiences of fishermen.