Working Conditions Aboard the Ozichukwu

In a remarkable display of maritime rescue efforts, the Coast Guard Air Station Borinquen deployed an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter to successfully evacuate a distressed crew member from the tanker 'Champion Cornelia' on February 11, 2014. The incident unfolded approximately 50 nautical miles north of San Juan Harbor, Puerto Rico, following a distress call received by the Coast Guard Sector San Juan command center on February 10. The vessel, located around 300 nautical miles from Puerto Rico at the time, was instructed to navigate towards San Juan to facilitate the emergency airlift. Once the 'Champion Cornelia' was within appropriate range, the Coast Guard dispatched the helicopter team to initiate the rescue operation. Upon arrival, the aircrew hoisted the 47-year-old mariner, who was experiencing symptoms consistent with a suspected stroke, to safety. The helicopter then made a swift journey to Centro Medico Hospital in San Juan, where the crew member received urgent medical attention. During the operation, weather conditions included seas measuring three to five feet and winds gusting at 11 mph, underscoring the challenging circumstances faced by the rescue team. For additional details and to view footage of the operation, visit the US Coast Guard's report: http://www.uscgnews.com/go/doc/4007/2090910/-Video-Available-Coast-Guard-crews-rescue-crewman-from-tanker-vessel-north-of-San-Juan-Harbor#sthash.mfswfGxA.dpuf