Coast Guard Helicopter Airlifts Sick Sailor From Cargo Ship 86 Miles Off Hawaii

A U.S. Coast Guard helicopter crew hoisted a sick 55-year-old sailor from a cargo ship about 86 miles off Hawaii’s Big Island on Wednesday, October 7, before flying him to shore for medical care.

The Coast Guard’s Joint Rescue Coordination Center in Honolulu received the initial call on Tuesday, October 6, from the Ocean Gladiator, a 545-foot U.S.-flagged cargo ship sailing from Baltimore to Manila. A crew member had a medical condition, and a duty flight surgeon recommended an evacuation once the vessel came within helicopter range.

An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter from Air Station Barbers Point reached the ship and hoisted the man in a rescue litter at approximately 8:35 a.m. Wednesday. He was flown to Hilo International Airport for further care. The Coast Guard did not disclose his identity or medical condition.

The Ocean Gladiator was also carrying two decommissioned 87-foot Coast Guard cutters, the USCGC Marlin and USCGC Bluefin, repainted for transfer to the Philippine Coast Guard. The cargo ship resumed its voyage after the rescue.