Cruise Passenger AIRLIFTED 170 Miles to Coast

An ailing cruise passenger, 170 miles off the Los Angeles coast, is dramatically airlifted by the U.S. Coast Guard into safety and back to critical care.

At a Glance

  • 63-year-old man medevaced from cruise ship by U.S. Coast Guard Jayhawk helicopter.
  • Rescue occurred 170 miles off Los Angeles coast after 36-hour coordination.
  • Inaugural mission for newly established Air Station Ventura.
  • Passenger transferred to Torrance Memorial Medical Center.

A Race Against Time

A coast guard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter executed a critical medevac of a 63-year-old man suffering severe abdominal pain from the Grand Princess cruise ship. Positioned more than 1,000 miles off San Diego initially, the ship was located 170 miles from the Los Angeles Coast when the passenger’s need for urgent medical intervention arose. Swift action was crucial; timing coordinated with Air Station Ventura reflects a paragon of precision and dedication in maritime emergency response.

The Coast Guard received the medevac request around 1:00 a.m. on Saturday. With the cruise ship initially out of reach, the Coast Guard maintained vigilant communication every four hours until the ship was within the operational range of a Jayhawk helicopter. This move ensured every possibility was prepared and anticipated for an effective execution, bringing the passenger back to safety in the nick of time.

Coordinated Mission Success

Executing this mission was no small feat. On Sunday at approximately 2:30 p.m., more than 36 hours after the initial distress call, the Coast Guard sprung into action. A C-27 Spartan aircrew from Coast Guard Air Station Sacramento provided supportive overflight during the operation. The skillful execution of the rescue is a testament to the capabilities and readiness of the newly launched Coast Guard Air Station Ventura, marking it as a significant milestone for the facility.

Lt. Rob Turley, Lt. Miguel Cortez, Petty Officer 2nd Class Curren Hinote, and Petty Officer 2nd Class Sam Monahan proved the Coast Guard’s dedication to life-saving and rescue missions. Their grit and unyielding determination in tense and challenging situations bring hope and assurance to those in distress far out at sea.

The investment in Air Station Ventura pays dividends as this critical facility ensures seamless maritime operations spanning the coastal regions from Orange County to San Luis Obispo County. Strategically located on Naval Base Ventura County in Point Mugu, just north of Los Angeles, it features a state-of-the-art $70 million facility, housing three MH-60 Jayhawk helicopters and approximately 100 personnel.

 

This inaugural mission highlights the vitality of strategically located air support in guaranteeing immediate and efficient response to maritime emergencies. By the time the rescued passenger walked with use of aid upon arrival, the Coast Guard demonstrated their unassailable commitment to protecting life and safety at sea.