SAVANNAH, Ga. – The Coast Guard medically evacuated a 63-year-old female approximately 60-miles east of Savannah, Ga., Saturday.
Medically evacuated was Alice Hall, 63, hometown unknown.
Operational watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Charleston received notification at approximately 10:08 p.m., Saturday from crewmembers aboard cruise ship Carnival Fantasy via VHF-FM marine radio channel 16 that Hall had fallen down the stairs, had a laceration on her head and was in need of medical attention.
At approximately 11:14 p.m., Coast Guard Air Station Savannah launched an MH-65 Dolphin air rescue crew.
Once on scene at 11:40 p.m., the rescue crew hoisted Hall and a ship’s nurse without incident and transported them to Savannah Memorial Hospital.
All mariners are encouraged to invest in a VHF-FM marine-band radio as their primary means of communication on the water. VHF-FM marine-band radios are far more reliable than cells phones in the marine environment. VHF-FM Channel 16, the international hailing and distress channel, is monitored by the Coast Guard and state marine patrols around the clock. In addition, distress calls broadcast over VHF-FM Channel 16 will be heard by all mariners in the vicinity. Urgent safety information and weather reports for boaters are also broadcast over marine band radio channels.
