USCG file photo
JUNEAU, Alaska – A Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak based MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew forward-deployed on St. Paul Island conducted a medevac of a 43-year-old male from the 124-foot fishing vessel Lilli Ann 120 miles southeast of St. Paul Island at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday.
Toun Tran, hometown unknown, reportedly injured his foot while the Lilli Ann was transiting between St. Paul Island and Dutch Harbor.
Coast Guard District 17 Command Center in Juneau received a call from a medical representative from the fishing vessel’s Healthforce Partners requesting a medevac at 9:45 a.m. The Jayhawk helicopter crew launched from St. Paul at 12:30 p.m. and arrived on scene hoisting Tran at 1:45 p.m.
“During the winter season in the Bering Sea crewmembers aboard fishing vessels encounter fierce winter storms helping create towering seas producing a dangerous environment to work in,” said Master Chief Petty Officer Jeremiah Roberts, 17th Coast Guard District command center assistant chief. “Fortunately our rescue crews patrolling the Bering Sea or forward-deployed on St. Paul Island have worked through the challenging weather conditions to rescue those in need.”
The helicopter crew arrived in St. Paul at 2:43 p.m. and then Tran was transferred to the St. Paul Island medical clinic. He will be transported by emergency medical flight services to Anchorage for further medical care.
