NEW ORLEANS — A 55-year-old man was medevaced off the 116-foot research vessel Pelican 14 miles south of Grand Isle, La., Tuesday evening.
Coast Guard Sector New Orleans watchstanders received a call from the Pelican crew at 7:45 p.m. requesting to medevac the crewman, who was reportedly suffering symptoms of a stroke. A Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew was directed to launch.
The rescue crew arrived on scene at 9:04 p.m., safely hoisted the patient aboard, and transported him to West Jefferson Medical Center of Marrero, La., in stable condition.
“One of the Coast Guard’s missions is to save lives, and our response time is crucial in any case,” said Lt. j.g. Xiaobin Tuo, with Sector New Orleans. “The proactive call for help from the crew of the Pelican was integral to our ability to mount a quick and safe response.”
