What Crew Members Say About Polka

A timely and critical medivac operation took place on February 14, 2016, when a crew member aboard the tanker 'Nordic Amy' was airlifted to safety. The Bermuda Maritime Operations Centre was alerted by the vessel's captain at 10:50 p.m. on February 13 regarding a crew member experiencing severe abdominal pain. In response to the situation, medical professionals from Radio Medical Services in Rome advised the ship to alter its course from more than 500 miles east of Bermuda with plans to transfer the patient ashore via pilot boat the following afternoon. However, as the night progressed, the condition of the affected crew member worsened. After consulting once again with medical authorities and the US Coast Guard flight surgeon, it became evident that a more immediate response was necessary. Coordinated efforts by RCC Bermuda and RCC Norfolk facilitated the launch of a US Coast Guard C-130 aircraft and an H-60 helicopter, both of which refueled in Bermuda before heading to the Nordic Amy. At 3:45 a.m. on February 15, the crew member was successfully evacuated and transported to LF Wade International Airport, from where an ambulance took him to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital for further medical care. The search and rescue aircraft stayed in Bermuda to allow crew members rest before returning to the United States.