A Chinese seafarer has received a “life-saving” blood transfusion after being airlifted from a Nanjing Tanker Corp MR in the Pacific.

He was picked up from the 45,900-dwt CSC Brave (built 2007) by a US Navy helicopter squadron out of the Pacific island of Guam.

Within two hours of notification by US Coast Guard Sector Guam of the distressed mariner, a Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 25 search and rescue team had departed Andersen Air Force Base.

“Despite the adverse weather and sea state, the team was able to execute a precision litter hoist from CSC Brave,” said aircraft commander Lieutenant Commander Philip Pretzinger.

“Lieutenant Erik Kumetz and Petty Officer Kyle Bowen performed a harrowing in-flight blood transfusion, ultimately saving the patient’s life.”

The mariner was airlifted to Guam and transported to Guam Memorial Hospital for medical care.

A US Navy helicopter pilot prepares to approach the CSC Brave during the medical evacuation mission. Photo: US Navy

This incident was the 18th emergency call to HSC-25 by US Coast Guard Sector Guam this year and marks 16 recoveries during search and rescue (SAR) and medical evacuations in 2019.

“Just two weeks after rescuing a distressed mariner, the team was once again able to flawlessly execute a rescue under the most demanding of circumstances,” said Commander Frank Loforti, commanding officer of HSC-25.

“Every Sailor should be proud of the lives we are able to save and the support we provide to Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.”

Since 1984, HSC-25 said it has launched 2,445 missions, resulting in 762 medical evacuations, and rescuing 475 lives from waters and jungles of the island chain.