U.S. Coast Guard Medevacs Crewmember 92 Miles Off Georgia Coast

A crewmember aboard a commercial fishing vessel was medically evacuated on Friday, June 12th, 2026, after becoming ill while fishing 92 miles offshore Brunswick, Georgia.

The operator of the 44-foot F/V STILL FISHING contacted U.S. Coast Guard Sector Charleston’s command center to report that a 56-year-old male crewmember was experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms. Watchstanders consulted with the duty flight surgeon, who recommended a medical evacuation.

Because of the vessel’s distance from shore, watchstanders launched an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew from Air Station Clearwater to conduct the medevac. The crew located the vessel, hoisted the man aboard, and transported him to St. Simons Island Airport in Georgia, where emergency medical services took over his care.

“This case highlights the importance of teamwork across the Coast Guard,” said Lt. Michael Allen, Sector Charleston’s search and rescue mission coordinator for the case. “Our watchstanders did an exceptional job coordinating this medevac under challenging circumstances, and the Air Station Clearwater crew’s rapid and professional response helped ensure this man received the care he needed as quickly as possible.”

When a crewmember becomes ill or injured at sea, contacting the U.S. Coast Guard immediately can be the difference between a full recovery and a tragedy. Under the Jones Act, vessel operators have a legal duty to provide prompt medical care to injured or ailing crew members. Cases like this are a reminder of that duty.