Archive image: An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew from Coast Guard Air Station Humboldt Bay lowers a rescue basket to a 47-foot Motor Lifeboat crew during training in Eureka, California.
Coast Guard helicopter aircrews routinely conduct training with small boat crews to maintain their qualifications and so that in the event of a medevac request from a boat or ship, the crews are proficient in their lifesaving techniques.
U.S. Coast Guard photo by Chief Warrant Officer Brandyn Hill.
CRESCENT CITY, California. — A Coast Guard Air Station Humboldt Bay MH-65E Dolphin helicopter aircrew conducted the medevac of an injured fisherman from a fishing vessel approximately 10 nautical miles south of Crescent City, California. Thursday, January 22, 2026.
A 35-year-old male crew member aboard the fishing vessel suffered a critical eye injury while transiting to Crescent City Harbor, which required immediate transport to a higher level of medical care.
Coast Guard Sector Humboldt Bay watchstanders received the request for assistance over VHF channel 16 from the fishing vessel at 8 a.m. Thursday. After conferring with the duty flight surgeon, who recommended a medevac (medical evacuation). Coast Guard watchstanders launched an MH-65E Dolphin Short-Range Recovery Helicopter aircrew from Air Station Humboldt Bay.
The MH-65E Dolphin SRR Helicopter aircrew arrived on scene at 8:38 a.m. and deployed the rescue swimmer to the fishing vessel. The rescue swimmer stabilized the mariner’s injury and worked with the fishing vessel’s crew to prepare for the medevac. The MH-65 Dolphin aircrew then conducted a rescue basket hoist and headed to land to transport the injured mariner.
The rescue helicopter aircrew transported the injured mariner to Air Station Humboldt Bay to awaiting emergency medical services personnel for further treatment.
U.S. Coast Guard video.
U.S. Coast Guard Sector Humboldt Bay.
U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Humboldt Bay.
U.S. Coast Guard Southwest District.
U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Area.
The Coast Guard rescue helicopter aircrew transferred the patient to Air Station Humboldt Bay to awaiting emergency medical services (EMS) personnel for transport to a nearby hospital.
–USCG–
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