Crabber pinned by crab pot airlifted from Alaska fishing boat, Coast Guard says

A crewman hurt after being pinned beneath a crab pot had to be airlifted from a commercial fishing boat 200 miles at sea from Dutch Harbor, Alaska, Coast Guard officials reported.

The rescue took place aboard the 117-foot boat Patricia Lee on Tuesday, July 19, the U.S. Coast Guard said in a news release.

A crewman suffered serious injuries to his pelvic region, the release said. The boat radioed the Coast Guard for help.

A Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew from Air Station Kodiak hoisted the injured man aboard at 11:50 p.m. and took him to a hospital, the release said.

The rescue took place in 40 mph winds gusting to 55 mph and 14-foot seas, with rain, snow and sleet squalls, the Coast Guard said.

“Our crews routinely train for the treacherous Alaska night conditions they encountered yesterday,” said Lt. Robert McConnel. “It feels good to see our team execute when someone’s life is on the line.”

A video shows the helicopter lowering a rescuer to the boat to prepare the man to be hoisted aboard.

The Coast Guard did not provide information on the injured man’s medical condition.

This story was originally published July 24, 2022 at 11:50 AM with the headline "Crabber pinned by crab pot airlifted from Alaska fishing boat, Coast Guard says."