The U.S. Coast Guard airlifted a crew member experiencing medical issues on a shipping vessel along Lake Huron near Harrisville, Michigan at 12:45 a.m. on Monday, June 22.
According to a press release, the Coast Guard Air Station Detroit received a call about a 33-year-old man on the Walter J. McCarthy Jr. at 10:21 p.m.
U.S. Coast Guard Lt. Cristina Silva said the man was experiencing shortness of breath and an elevated heart rate. Silva said crew members on board presumed it to be an allergic reaction and helped him with an EpiPen.
“The crew members of the motor vessel were trying their best to just keep him stable, but they figured it was best to call it in and have us assist to take him to a higher level of care,” Silva said.
The Coast Guard flew a helicopter crew and a rescue swimmer to hoist the man into the helicopter. After a quick evaluation check, the man was considered to be stable and taken to the Huron County Memorial Airport, where he was transferred to a local hospital, Silva said.
“Being safe on the water is great, whether, you know, working on a motor vessel or enjoying summertime activities, but knowing your capabilities and knowing how to reach out for assistance is always very helpful for us,” Silva said.
Silva said the last update the Coast Guard received was that the man was in stable condition.
“Thank you to the crew of the Walter J. McCarthy Jr. for their efforts in keeping their fellow mariner safe until we could transport the man to a higher level of care,” Air Station Detroit Pilot Lt. Rachel McGhee said in the press release. “The aircrew did a phenomenal job in coordinating with all personnel involved.”
