Watch: Coast Guard rescues ill cruise ship crew member off Oregon coast

SEATTLE (KTVZ) – The U.S. Coast Guard rescued an ill crew member from a cruise ship about 15 miles west of Coos Bay on Easter Sunday.

Coast Guard Sector Columbia River watchstanders received a report from the M/V National Geographic Venture at 6:38 a.m. Sunday that a 30-year-old male crew member was suffering from excessive vomiting and shortness of breath.

Watchstanders consulted with the Coast Guard duty flight surgeon, who recommended a medevac via helicopter.

At 8 a.m. Sunday, an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station North Bend rendezvoused with the National Geographic Venture west of Coos Bay and successfully hoisted the patient to the helicopter.

He was transported to Bay Area Hospital in Coos Bay in stable condition.

"Safe and efficient medical evacuations of mariners are only possible through closely coordinated efforts from start to finish," said Lt. Christopher Saylor, Search and Rescue Mission Coordinator, Sector Columbia River. “The expert coordination between the flight crews, vessel master, and watchstanders resulted in a successful outcome for the patient.”

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