Coast Guard Performs Near-Impossible Helicopter Rescue | Deadliest Catch

This recount of the harrowing rescue of Francis Katongan from the *Patricia Lee* illustrates the raw, high-stakes reality of working in one of the world’s most dangerous professions: commercial fishing.

### **Key Moments of the Rescue**
1. **The Injury:**
– Francis was pinned by 2,000 pounds of steel after a wave struck, causing serious trauma to his pelvis and possibly injuring the iliac artery—a potentially life-threatening situation.

2. **The Captain’s Role:**
– Captain Rip Carlton took swift action, navigating the vessel through worsening storm conditions to bring it within the Coast Guard’s rescue range, a feat of precision and urgency.

3. **Coast Guard’s Mission:**
– With a ticking clock due to limited fuel and worsening weather, the Coast Guard deployed an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter to execute the medevac 225 miles northeast of Dutch Harbor.
– The rescue swimmer’s precision, dropping onto a pitching deck in near-impossible conditions, was a testament to skill and training.

4. **Challenges and Execution:**
– The storm battered the vessel with high seas and winds at 39 knots, making the hoist operation treacherous.
– Despite these obstacles, the team managed to secure Francis and complete the extraction with only 20 minutes to spare.

5. **Aftermath:**
– Francis was flown to Anchorage for emergency treatment, where his prognosis improved dramatically. The news of his recovery brought relief and closure to the crew, highlighting the resilience of these mariners and their community.

### **A Reminder of the Risks**
This story encapsulates the relentless risks faced by commercial fishermen and the Coast Guard’s unwavering commitment to saving lives. The blend of bravery, expertise, and teamwork on display is nothing short of remarkable.