Working Conditions Aboard the Cpt-Stefanos-M

On September 11, 2013, a dramatic rescue mission unfolded as the Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak deployed an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter to medevac an injured crewman from the freighter 'Cinzia D’Amato'. Located approximately 117 miles from Adak Island, the crew successfully hoisted the 21-year-old Italian crew member aboard after he suffered severe internal injuries from a fall of nearly 75 feet from the vessel’s exhaust stack. The incident occurred at around 3:50 a.m. when the master of the ship reached out for assistance. Following the request, the Coast Guard duty flight surgeon approved the medevac, advising the vessel to adjust its course toward Adak to facilitate rescue operations. A HC-130 Hercules airplane crew from Air Station Kodiak was also dispatched to provide necessary support, including cover, communications, and self-rescue capabilities. At the time of the operation, challenging weather conditions prevailed in the area, featuring winds ranging from 28 to 46 mph and 16-foot seas. After the successful medevac, the injured crewman was taken to emergency medical personnel waiting in Adak before being transferred to Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage for further treatment. The 'Cinzia D’Amato' was en route from Japan to California when the incident occurred.