This footage, provided by the United States Coast Guard, shows an MH-60T helicopter crew as they rescue a patient off the deck of his ship in the sort of conditions the North Atlantic is infamous for.

Some 70 miles off the coast of Cape Cod, the Coast Guard managed to hover their MH-60T above the deck of the fishing Vessel "Atlantic", while lowering a rescuer and equipment to retrieve the patient. This is no mean feat, especially in 50 mph winds and 25 foot swells. Difficult is an understatment for sailing or flying in these conditions, but these Massachusetts Coasties managed to coordinate both, with a life literally hanging in the balance.

The aircraft used here, the MH-60T, or Jayhawk, is based on the Navy's SH-60 Seahawk. It, along with the Eurocopter MH-65 Dolphin, make up the USCG's rotary wing fleet, though the latter is being phased out in transition to an all-Jayhawk fleet.

It's good to see the Coast Guard doing Coast Guard stuff, unlike these guys.

About the Author

Cole Simms

Cole Simms is an Air Guardsman, NASA enthusiast, police officer, and security contractor with particular experience in austere environments. Outside of work, he volunteers as a Stop The Bleed instructor for area schools. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and blends his knowledge and experience to write analysis for Funker530.

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