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USCG airlifts 3-year-old from cruise ship
A 3-year-old boy suffering from appendicitis on a cruise ship was transported to a Wilmington hospital by an Elizabeth City-based Coast Guard helicopter early Wednesday.
According to a Coast Guard release, a physician aboard the cruise ship Carnival Miracle requested a medical evacuation for the child Tuesday evening. The Coast Guard relayed the message from Miami to Portsmouth, Va., and on to Elizabeth City.
An HH-60 helicopter was dispatched but later showed signs of engine malfunction during a refueling stop at Cherry Point. A second helicopter was sent, reaching the Carnival Miracle off the coast of Wilmington about 7 a.m., according to the air station’s public affairs officer, Lt. j.g. Jason Gale.
The crew took him to the New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington for treatment. No further update on his condition was available late Wednesday afternoon, Gale said.
The crew included pilot and aircraft commander Lt. Cmdr. Adam Kerr, co-pilot Ensign Luis Llanes, rescue swimmer Petty Officer 3rd Class Bradley Pigage, flight mechanic Petty Officer 3rd Class Alex Mangum, and flight surgeon Capt. Albert Exner.
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