Coast Guard medevacs ailing cruise ship Norwegian Jewel passenger near Juneau, Alaska

60 SitkaJUNEAU, Alaska — A Coast Guard Air Station Sitka Jayhawk helicopter crew medevaced a passenger from the cruise ship Norwegian Jewel in Skagway, Alaska, Wednesday afternoon.

The Sitka helicopter crew picked up the patient from the Skagway airport and transported him to Juneau where he was met by awaiting emergency medical services personnel.

Coast Guard 17th District command center watchstanders received a medevac request from the captain aboard the Norwegian Jewel for a 70-year-old man reportedly suffering from a blood clot.  Commercial services were unable to transport the patient due to weather while the ship was in port in Skagway.  The duty flight surgeon was consulted and recommended the medevac.

“Coordination between the cruise ship, Coast Guard watchstanders and the helicopter rescue crew greatly contributed to a timely rescue,” said Master Chief Petty Officer James Armstrong , 17th District command duty officer.  “The Coast Guard was able to respond quickly despite the weather.”

The weather on scene at the time of the medevac was reported as 7-mph winds, with 12-mile visibility.


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