Archive image: An Air Station Clearwater MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter on the runway at KSPG Albert Whitted Airport.
U.S. Coast Guard photo by Lt. Scott Kellerman.
CLEARWATER, Fla. — A Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter aircrew conducted the rescue (medevac) of a fisherman (captain) of a fishing vessel who suffered a hand injury while hauling line approximately 122 nautical miles west of Longboat Key, Florida. Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
The rescued is a 56-year-old man, who was safely transported to Tampa General Hospital in Florida.
Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg received a medevac (medical evacuation) request and after evaluation it was determined that the patient required a higher level of care. Coast Guard Watchstanders directed the launch of an Air Station Clearwater MH-60T Jayhawk Medium-Range Recovery Helicopter aircrew to conduct the medevac of the fisherman.
Once on scene, the MH-60T Jayhawk MRR Helicopter aircrew deployed the rescue swimmer who assessed the patient’s condition and used a rescue basket to safely hoist and bring the passenger safely aboard the helicopter.
«Executing a medevac more than 100 miles out in the Gulf requires precise execution,” said Chief Petty Officer Sean Deaton, a command duty officer assigned to Sector St. Petersburg. “The quick and decisive actions by both our command center and Air Station personnel led to this successful rescue, demonstrating the proficiency and readiness of our crews to respond whenever and wherever they are needed.»
U.S. Coast Guard Southeast District crews stand ready to save lives, protect America’s waterways, and support safe maritime activity.
–USCG–
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