Coast Guard Medevacs Injured Fishing Captain More Than 100 Miles Off Gulf Coast

A 56-year-old fishing vessel captain was medically evacuated Tuesday after suffering a hand injury while hauling line more than 100 miles off Florida’s Gulf Coast.

According to the U.S. Coast Guard, the incident occurred approximately 122 miles west of Longboat Key. Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg received a medevac request and determined the captain required a higher level of medical care.

An MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater was launched to conduct the rescue operation. Once on scene, a rescue swimmer was lowered to evaluate the captain’s condition before the aircrew used a rescue basket to hoist him aboard the helicopter.

The captain was transported to Tampa General Hospital for treatment. Officials did not release his condition, identity, or the name of the fishing vessel involved.

The Coast Guard said the rescue highlighted the coordination and readiness required for long-distance medical evacuations in the Gulf.