The United States Coast Guard medivaced an injured crew member from a Greek flagged merchant ship Sunday morning.
ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. (WAVY) - The United States Coast Guard medivaced an injured crew member from a Greek flagged merchant ship Sunday morning. A MH-60T helicopter and a HC-130J airplane were sent from Air Station Elizabeth City to assist in the recovery of an injured crew member aboard the Greek flagged merchant vessel the Aegean Angel and to transfer two replacement officers to the vessel, according to a news release from the U.S. Coast Guard. The captain and 1st mate of the vessel were killed and the 2nd mate was injured while inspecting the ships integrity during high seas Thursday. Hazardous weather conditions of 50 mph winds and 15-18-foot seas kept the aircraft grounded until Sunday. At around 9:40 a.m. Sunday the helicopter crew transferred the new captain and 1st mate to the vessel and safely hoisted the 2nd mate from the ship. The injured man was flown to shore where he was tranported to King Edward IV Memorial Hospital in Bermuda for treatment, according to the release. "Although the unfortunate environmental circumstances proved fatal for two crewmembers, the multi-international agency joint coordination provided exceptional support ensuring the injured crewmember received prompt medical assistance," said Senior Chief Petty Officer Carla Harsh of the Coast Guard 5th District.
U.S. Coast Guard pilots taxi in a MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter before taking off during a search mission at the San Diego Coast Guard Station Oct. 30, 2009. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)
