Crewmember Evacuated by Navy

Going offshore brings new stresses to boat and crew alike.  Several of our boats reported minor to intermediate mechanical problems: broken steering cable, jammed halyard, failed checkstay, leaking prop shaft.

Other boats discovered medical conditions that came out underway, severe seasickness being the most common.

Aboard Perplexity, and I hasten to add it has turned out ok, a crew member (Kirt) developed a bloody nose. Not a big deal except when it goes on for several days. Of course, this became a cause for concern. With basic medical supplies and no doctor on board, Perplexity reached out to our medical team for advice. At first, it was “pinch your nose, or pack it; it’ll be fine.”

It wasn’t.

As the situation developed, we put out a precautionary call to the fleet for nearby vessels with better ability to deal with this to be on standby to assist. To our immense satisfaction, several boats responded almost immediately with doctors, medical gear, and a willingness to meet Perplexity wherever needed.

Meanwhile, Perplexity continued communication with the Coast Guard and our Medical Team. Ultimately, the US Navy’s Pacific Tracker was dispatched from about 200 miles away to meet up with the stricken crewmember for treatment or evacuation.

Early Sunday night, Perplexity and Pacific Tracker met a few hundred miles offshore. The 660 foot navy vessel sent an inflatable over for what the skipper described as a smooth transfer. (From the image of the ship, we’re surprised they didn’t have a teleporter!).

As of this writing, Navy and Coast Guard are consulting on how best to get the patient to shore. His condition is good.

Our thanks to the US Navy, Coast Guard, George Washington University, and the several participants willing to interrupt their race to render assistance. With huge thanks from Perplexity as well, who is returning to racing.