Coast Guard Medivacs Mariner Off Hawai‘i Island

A mariner aboard a commercial fishing vessel in Kona waters was medivaced by the US Coast Guard after suffering an injury to his forearm.

Sector Honolulu watchstanders received the report at 11:14 a.m. from a friend aboard the “Vicious Cycle” 130 miles southwest of Kailua-Kona. The report indicated the master had suffered the injury.

Watchstanders attempted to contact the Vicious Cycle via radio but were unable to due to the vessel being out of radio range. An Air Station Barbers Point HC-130 Hercules aircrew was launched to establish contact with the vessel and ascertain the situation.

“A Coast Guard duty flight surgeon was consulted and recommended a medevac due to the situation,” Coast Guard officials stated.

The mariner was hoisted from the vessel by an Air Station Barbers Point MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew and brought to awaiting medical services at Queen’s Medical Center. The mariner’s condition is unknown at this time.

Because the Vicious Cycle was located outside of the Dolphin’s range, Sector Honolulu watchstanders diverted the Coast Guard Cutter Midgett (WMSL 757) from nearby to act as a refueling point.

The Dolphin aircrew launched and after refueling on the Midgett arrived on scene and successfully hoisted the injured mariner.

The Dolphin then returned to the Midgett to refuel before flying to Honolulu.