ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. - It's no secret that our military members can accomplish some amazing things, which is why News 3 is shining a spotlight on a local Coast Guard crew that stepped in just at the right time to save a man 34 miles offshore.
Aerial footage provided by Air Station Elizabeth City shows the moment the 41-year-old man was airlifted from sea.
According to the USCG Mid-Atlantic, "Coast Guard Sector North Carolina watchstanders received the distress call on VHF channel 16, and Coast Guard Cutter Nathan Bruckenthal, who was seven miles away from the distressed vessel, also overheard the transmission.
Sector North Carolina watchstanders launched an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter aircrew from Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City to respond, and the crew of the Nathan Bruckenthal self-diverted to assist."
They said that once on scene, the Nathan Bruckenthal crew safely brought the man aboard, and an EMT aboard the cutter rendered first aid by applying bandages and pressure to the leg, and monitored the man’s vitals.
The aircrew from Air Station Elizabeth City transported the man to Sentara Albemarle Medical Center where he received additional medical treatment.
