Working Conditions Aboard the Leikanger

On October 20, 2019, a dramatic medical evacuation unfolded involving a 32-year-old Latvian crewmember from the tanker 'Leikanger.' The U.S. Coast Guard, in collaboration with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (U.S. FWS) and the Hawaii Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT), undertook the urgent mission off the coast of Midway Island. The incident began on the night of October 18 when watchstanders at the Joint Rescue Coordination Center (JRCC) Honolulu received an alarming report from Norway’s Rescue Coordination Center Stavanger. The mariner was in the throes of a medical emergency while aboard the tanker, located an impressive 667 miles north of Midway. To facilitate prompt medical attention, the duty flight surgeon advised that the 'Leikanger' make best speed to Midway Island, where the crew member would receive essential treatment. Suffering from severe abdominal pain and numbness, the distressed crew member was prioritized for evacuation by DMAT, who arranged for in-flight medical care to Honolulu. Coordination efforts were ramped up as JRCC Honolulu reached out to the U.S. FWS Midway refuge manager to ensure a seamless transfer process. Safety measures were crucial, as the area was known for its dense bird population, including albatross, necessitating night-time operations to reduce bird strikes. To maintain communication, the vessel was placed on a 12-hour contact schedule. At approximately 5:50 p.m., the 'Leikanger' reached the offshore vicinity of Midway, where a small boat was utilized for the crucial transfer of the crew member. The refuge manager's local expertise proved vital; given the challenging sea conditions, it was deemed safest to deploy a rescue boat alongside the U.S. FWS vessel to reach the pier within the protected reef. Following the successful transfer, the 'Leikanger' continued its journey, transporting gasoline. Shortly before 11 p.m., the Hercules crew arrived, welcoming the crew member aboard. They arrived safely at Air Station Barbers Point at 2:45 a.m. on October 21, where emergency medical services were on standby to assist.