Hilo, Hawaii – A dramatic rescue unfolded 675 miles offshore as the U.S. Coast Guard medevaced a 68-year-old captain suffering from severe abdominal pain and fever.

The rescue mission began when the Coast Guard received reports of the captain’s deteriorating condition aboard a commercial fishing vessel far out in the Pacific Ocean.

An HC-130 Hercules airplane crew from Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point responded swiftly. The crew carried out an urgent airdrop of antibiotics to the vessel on May 7, 2025, in an effort to stabilize the captain’s condition.

The mission was critical due to the vessel’s remote location and the seriousness of the captain’s symptoms.

The Coast Guard’s prompt action likely saved the captain’s life, showcasing the importance of rapid emergency response even in the most isolated areas.

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