JUNE 6, 2015
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas
A 20-year-old man was medevaced after suffering multiple seizures aboard a charter fishing boat approximately 33 miles off of Port Aransas Saturday morning.
At 10:30 a.m., Coast Guard Sector Corpus Christi watchstanders received a distress call over VHF marine Channel 16 from the Gulf Eagle, stating a passenger aboard their fishing charter boat had symptoms of head trauma.
Sector Corpus Christi launched an MH-65 Dolphin rescue helicopter from Air Station Corpus Christi and a 45-foot response boat from Station Port Aransas, to conduct the rescue.
Once the helicopter crew was on scene, the rescue swimmer was lowered to assess the situation. The man was being assisted by a Good Samaritan onboard, who was an off duty nurse, and was reported to be in stable condition but in need of higher level care. He was hoisted aboard the helicopter and transported to Christus Spohn Memorial Hospital.
“Thank you to the crew aboard the Gulf Eagle for their professionalism and rescue efforts. The Gulf Eagle and good Samaritan’s quick response likely prevented further injury,” said Lt. Scott Stechschulte, a pilot on the rescue helicopter. “Fortunately, conditions were favorable for us and a 100 percent of effort was given by everyone involved.”