A local U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) aircrew rescued two injured crewmen from a tanker ship 130 miles southwest of San Diego Friday morning, USCG officials confirmed.
The rescue was prompted after crew aboard the UK-flagged tank vessel, Energy Conqueror’s, contacted the Coast Guard at around 7:20 a.m.
Two Russian citizens aboard the vessel had been injured when a cable split, and needed to be medically evacuated from the tanker.
An MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew launched from Sector San Diego and flew to the tanker’s location offshore. Coast Guard Cutter Active also went to the scene to assist with the medevac, USCG officials said.
The Coast Guard aircrew hoisted the injured men into their helicopter and transported them to San Diego.
One of the victims, a 51-year-old crewman, sustained severe lacerations, head injuries and possible internal injuries, officials said. The second crewman suffered leg injuries.
The victims were both turned over to emergency medical personnel for treatment. Their current condition is unknown.
Photo Credit: U.S. Coast Guard/ Petty Officer 1st Class Henry G. Dunphy