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HONOLULU – The Coast Guard medevaced the master of a Hong Kong-flagged cargo ship 57 miles offshore Oahu Wednesday.
At 8:53 p.m. Wednesday, an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point successfully hoisted and transported the man in stable condition to Queen’s Medical Center in Honolulu.
The 44-year-old master had reportedly been experiencing severe chest pains.
Joint Rescue Coordination Center Honolulu watchstanders received an email at around 11 p.m. Sunday from the Chipol Donghai, a 616-foot Hong Kong-flagged cargo ship. The Chipol Donghai was approximately 1,500 miles north of Oahu.
Watchstanders established regular communications with the vessel’s crew to monitor the patient's status as the Chipol Donghai proceeded toward Oahu.
As the man’s condition worsened, JRCC Honolulu watchstanders briefed the duty flight surgeon, who recommended a medevac.
“The vast distances of the Pacific present unique challenges to emergency response, requiring days of sustained communication and coordination,” said Cmdr. Preston Hieb, search and rescue mission coordinator, Coast Guard Oceania District. “The Coast Guard’s priority is the preservation of life at sea, upholding the fundamental international maritime principle of providing assistance to those in peril. Our skilled aircrews are prepared to respond swiftly and effectively to protect anyone navigating these waters.”
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