Three crewmen were airlifted from a bulk carrier recently, approximately 50 miles west of the Columbia River Bar, which spans the states of Oregon and Washington on the US West Coast.
According to gCaptain, the crewmembers suffered injuries consistent with chemical burns as well as a broken leg while refuelling and cleaning the holds of the ship.
The injured were handed over to emergency medical services before being transported to Columbia Memorial Hospital in Astoria for further medical treatment.
Petty Officer First Class John Bennett, the Search and Rescue Controller at Sector Columbia River, said: “The outstanding coordination between the Almasi crew and Coast Guard watchstanders and helicopter crew led to an effective medevac [medical evacuation].
“Despite the challenging weather conditions, our helicopter crew was able to safely hoist the injured men and get them to the medical care they required.”
