HONOLULU — The Coast Guard medically evacuated a snorkeler in respiratory distress near Maui Friday.
Coast Guard Station Maui received a call at approximately 10 a.m., reporting that a 65 year old woman aboard the 64-foot charter vessel Ocean Liberty was having trouble breathing. The vessel was at Molokini Crater, near Maui. A Coast Guard flight surgeon was briefed on the woman’s condition and recommended immediate evacuation.
A 45-foot response boat crew from Station Maui was deployed to evacuate the woman and arrived on scene at approximately 10:20 a.m. The response boat crew safely transported the woman to emergency medical specialists waiting at the Kihei Boat Ramp. The patient’s condition is unknown.
The Coast Guard routinely provides emergent transport of patients throughout the Hawaiian Islands. The Coast Guard’s new 45-foot Response Boat-Medium boasts an improved design, new ergonomics and enhanced safety features, making boat crews more effective in performing their missions. The RB-M is part of the Coast Guard’s plan to standardize and revitalize its shore-based boat fleet. These upgrades ensure the Coast Guard remains America’s maritime first responder. For more information on the future of Coast Guard vessels and aircraft visit (Acquisition Directorate).
