ICYMI: Coast Guard Rescues 70-Year-Old Man Who Nearly Drowned While Snorkeling!
A 70-year-old U.S. man was pulled from the brink of death by the Coast Guard after a near-drowning incident while snorkeling. đ #News #MiamiFL #Florida #Accident
MIAMI, FL – A 70-year-old U.S. man was rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard on Wednesday after a terrifying near-drowning incident while snorkeling. The man, a passenger aboard the motor vessel Sea Hunter, was discovered floating unresponsive and not breathing after a snorkeling trip went wrong. Crew members onboard immediately performed life-saving measures, including the use of an automated external defibrillator, which helped the man regain consciousness. However, his condition remained critical, prompting the urgent need for medical intervention.
Emergency Response Launched From Puerto Rico
Upon receiving the distress call, watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector San Juan sprang into action.
They dispatched an MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter from Coast Guard Air Station Borinquen to reach the vessel, located about 70 nautical miles north of Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
EMS personnel were alerted to stand by at the rescue destination for immediate transport.
As the helicopter hovered over the scene, a rescue swimmer was lowered into the ocean to prepare the man and his spouse for the hoist. Dramatic footage captured the man being carefully lifted in a rescue basket, underscoring the intensity of the mission.
Critical Transport to Puerto Rican Hospital
Once onboard the helicopter, the patient was swiftly flown to Fernando Luis Ribas Dominicci Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Waiting EMS crews then transported him to Centro Medico Hospital for advanced treatment.
âThis mission presented a significant challenge, as time was of the essence and required meticulous planning of fuel, communications, and extensive coordination between Sector San Juan and the Sea Hunter crew,â said Lt. William Boardman, the Coast Guard MH-60T Jayhawk aircraft commander.
âOur team worked efficiently on scene to ensure a safe return to Puerto Rico. The patient was successfully transferred to Emergency Medical Service personnel and transported to a higher level of care. A huge thank you to everyone involved.â
Hospital officials say the Coast Guardâs quick response and precise coordination were critical in ensuring the man received timely care.
RELATED TOPICS: Accidents and Rescues | Dominican Republic | Puerto Rico
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