Supplied by the US Coast Guard…
Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. – The Coast Guard Cutter Katmai Bay responded to a medevac request for a resident on Mackinac Island who needed immediate medical attention, Tuesday evening.

Sector Sault Sainte Marie Command Center received a request from Mackinac Island emergency medical services to assist in the transfer of an island resident to St. Ignace, Michigan, Tuesday evening. Unable to utilize an aircraft due to harsh weather conditions, Sector Sault Sainte Marie Command Center contacted the Coast Guard Cutter Katmai Bay, who immediately diverted to assist the island resident. The Katmai Bay broke ice into the harbor, where she met local emergency service crews, who escorted the resident onboard the cutter. The crew of the Katmai Bay then ensured the patient’s safety while they transited to St. Ignace, Michigan, for further transfer to emergency medical services.

“This was a great team effort by all, including Mackinac Island EMS and Fire Department, Straits Area EMS, Mackinac Marine Rescue, Mackinac Island Medical Center, and Sector Sault Sainte Marie. The crew responded admirably in adverse conditions to answer the call. We’re happy to have done our part in getting her the advanced medical treatment she needed”, stated LT Steele Johnson, Commanding Officer of Coast Guard Cutter Katmai Bay.