HONOLULU-The Coast Guard medically evacuated a snorkeler in distress approximately one mile from Kalalau Beach, Kauai, Saturday.
The 61-year-old man lost consciousness after returning to passenger vessel Na Pali Runabout. The vessel operator contacted Coast Guard Cutter Kittiwake on VHF channel 16. The vessel pulled alongside Kittiwake where the patient was safely transported by stokes litter.
Once aboard Kittiwake, the patient was further assessed by crewmembers and a Coast Guard flight surgeon determined the patient needed an immediate evacuation.
Coast Guard Sector Honolulu dispatched an MH- 65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point. The Dolphin crew hoisted the patient from Kittiwake at 1230 p.m. and safely transported him to emergency medical services at Lihue Airport. The patient was then transported to Wilcox Memorial Hospital in Lihue, Hawaii, where he is reportedly in stable condition.
