Coast Guard medevacs ill boater from grounded vessel near Cedar Key, FL
Photos from USCG videos of rescue.
St. Petersburg, Florida - The United States Coast Guard medevaced a man from an aground 43-foot sail vessel near Cedar Key, Florida on Wednesday, July 13, 2022. An Air Station Clearwater MH-60 helicopter crew arrived on scene and transported the patient, Chris Wallace, to HCA Florida Largo Hospital in Largo, Florida in stable condition.
Sector St. Petersburg watchstanders received a distress call from Wallace via channel 16, stating he was suffering from stomach pain and requesting medical assistance. The watchstanders directed the launch of an Air Station Clearwater helicopter crew and a Station Yankeetown rescue crew to assist the boater in distress.
“Having a reliable communications device, like a VHF marine radio, can save your life when you need assistance,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Brian Haley, a Sector St. Petersburg command center watchstander. “Remember to verify the weather, be aware of the tides in the area you are planning to transit, and be aware of your vessel's limitations.”
The vessel owner arranged for commercial salvage services to assist the grounded vessel.