Alaska Coast Guard rescuers struggle to aid stricken sailor
by The Associated Press
Nov 08, 2009 | 1757 views | 2 2 comments | 6 6 recommendations | email to a friend | print


ANCHORAGE, Alaska - The Coast Guard says a rescue helicopter rushed to help a stricken sailor off Sitka, but a flight surgeon who had been lowered into his boat was unable to revive him.

The guard says 72-year-old Sitka resident Ralph Guthrie and his wife were seal hunting Saturday when he collapsed aboard his 40-foot skiff.

His wife made an emergency call and the Coast Guard quickly launched an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew that included the surgeon and a rescue swimmer.

After the two were lowered into the craft, the swimmer moved the skiff to a nearby beach and both crew members worked to revive him. But the guard says that Guthrie died despite their efforts.

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anonymous
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November 08, 2009
Semper Paratus!!
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