Coast Guard medevacs man suffering seizures approximately 67 miles west of Tarpon Springs

CLEARWATER, Fla. — A crewman aboard the fishing vessel Julio Pedro was medevaced by the Coast Guard after it was reported he was suffering seizures approximately 67 miles west of Tarpon Springs, Fla., Thursday.

Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg watchstanders were notified by the captain of the Julio Pedro stating his crewman, 37, was suffering intermittent seizures and vomiting. After consulting the Coast Guard duty flight surgeon, a medevac was deemed necessary.

Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater launched an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew who arrived on scene and lowered a swimmer to assess the situation. Due to the amount of gear on board the Julio Pedro, a water hoist was determined to be the safest way to get the man to safety.

The rescue swimmer helped the man put on his survival suit, placed him in the water and assisted with his safe hoist into the helicopter.

The injured crewmember was taken to Tampa General Hospital.

The Coast Guard pilot involved in the rescue will be available for on camera interviews between 7 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. Friday. Any interested media please contact Lt. Cmdr. Bill Friday at 727-539-9140.

###

Saving Lives and Guarding the Coast Since 1790.
The United States Coast Guard -- Proud History. Powerful Future.