Man Medevaced from Cruise Ship Near Juneau Due to Bowel Obstruction

Coast Guard boat crew medevacs man from cruise ship near Douglas Island, Alaska


JUNEAU, Alaska -- A Coast Guard Station Juneau boat crew medically evacuated a cruise ship passenger who was reportedly suffering from a possible bowel obstruction, near Douglas Island, Tuesday morning.

The boat crew, aboard a 45-foot Response Boat-Medium, arrived on scene at approximately 4 a.m. and transferred the patient and his wife from the cruise ship Ovation of the Seas to awaiting emergency medical services personnel at Douglas Harbor.

Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Juneau Command Center received a call at approximately 3 a.m. from a cruise ship crewmember requesting a medevac for the 52-year-old male.

“The patient seemed to have minor discomfort but overall was in good condition when we transported him,” said Petty Officer 3rd Class Seth Miller, a boatswain’s mate at Station Juneau. “We had great communication with the cruise ship personnel and were able to quickly determine which side of the ship we could pick the patient up from. This made the transfer very smooth and we were able to get him the care he needed.”