Survivors of Alaskan DHC-3 Crash Rescued by Quick Reaction, Good Organization

Coast Guard Station Sitka has completed another successful medevac mission, rescuing 2 from a crash Southeast of Yakutat, Alaska. 

On May 24, the watchstanders of the Coast Guard 17th District picked up on an ELT alert only minutes before receiving calls reporting the crash of a single engine Dehavilland DHC-3. The aircraft contained 4 people aboard, The responding unit launched from the Sitka Station in their MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter, arriving on scene to transport the more seriously injured passengers. While on scene, it was determined that 2 of the passengers had incurred critical back injuries, rendering speedy care a priority. The 3rd presented with breathing issues, but was well enough that ground transport could be used. The airlifted patients were transferred from Sitka aboard a Coast Guard HC-130 Hercules from Kodiak, taking them to Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. From there, they were handed over to local EMS for the final leg of travel to Providence Alaska Medical Center. 

"The great work of Air Stations Sitka and Kodiak to provide critical rescue services to these crash survivors in Yakutat speaks volumes about the professionalism and expertise of the pilots and aircrews," said Captain Alan McCabe. His work as the 17th District chief of response has positioned him to see a plethora of incidents, accidents, and crises throughout the years, allowing the Coast Guard units of the region plenty of opportunity to hone their cooperation.

"This rescue that was coordinated by two air stations was all the more noteworthy because Air Station Kodiak was simultaneously using a second C-130 for to search for a possible missing mariner from a skiff in Cook Inlet while Air Station Sitka sent an MH-60 helicopter to assist the survivors of this plane crash in Yakutat," said McCabe. 

He described the operation as seamless, noting the difficulty of a multi-leg, multi-transport mission for spinal injury patients. "The local service professionals in Yakutat were also critical to help the survivors and their expertise and teamwork are commended. We are extremely proud of the women and men across these two air stations that made this case happen so seamlessly to assist these survivors in such a challenging remote location."

FMI: www.uscg.mil