US Virgin Islands rescue: Coast Guard saves stranded spear fisherman during tropical storm, video shows
Six-foot waves prevented the Coast Guard from getting close enough to rescue the fisherman by boat
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}A spear fisherman was rescued by the Coast Guard after getting stranded in rough waters off the coast of the U.S. Virgin Islands during a tropical storm on Sunday, dramatic video shows.
The Coast Guard dispatched a boat crew and an MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter to the scene near Dog Island after receiving a distress call at 8:30 a.m. from the man's friend, who was on a nearby boat.
Tropical Storm Earl dropped heavy rainfall across the Leeward Islands, the U.S. and British Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico over the weekend and is expected to become a hurricane later this week.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}An MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter aircrew deployed a rescue swimmer to secure the fisherman in a harness. (Coast Guard)
The crew tried to get a heaving line to the injured man, but six-foot waves stopped them from getting close enough to rescue him, so a rescue swimmer deployed from the helicopter and used a harness to secure the fisherman.
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The injured survivor, who is over 50 years old, was transported to the Schneider Regional Medical Center on St. Thomas for treatment.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"This was a challenging case in a tropical storm with heavy seas, gusty winds, and low visibility, but this is what the Coast Guard trains for," Lt. Shea Smith, MH-60T Jayhawk aircraft commander in the incident, said in a statement.
"Fortunately, the survivor was able to hang on until we could arrive, and we are all glad that he is safe."
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{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The rescue took place near Dog Island, which is southeast of St. Thomas.