10/06/2020
Massachusetts Environmental Police
On Sunday, October 4, 2020, the Massachusetts Environmental Police Patrol Boat Thomas Paine was underway in the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary. At approximately 10:30 a.m., Officers heard a radio call to United States Coast Guard Sector Boston from a fishing vessel regarding a crew member who was possibly having a heart attack.
Crew aboard the Thomas Paine were able to respond to the vessel, which was approximately 25 nautical miles off Boston, within 15 minutes. Upon arrival, an MEP Sergeant who is a trained paramedic was transferred to the fishing vessel to conduct a medical assessment of the patient. The Sergeant determined the individual required a medical evacuation; the patient was subsequently transferred onboard the Thomas Paine for a medevac to Gloucester. While en route, U.S. Coast Guard Station Gloucester met the Thomas Paine to transfer aboard two members from Gloucester EMS. Upon arrival at the Gloucester Harbormaster dock, the patient was transferred to an awaiting ambulance for transport to the hospital.
*Update from vessel owner/operator: "Thanks so much for being there. Your response was fast and professional. My crew member is doing well. The Thomas Paine is an impressive resource for the state to have available. I couldn’t be more grateful to you guys.
Jim O’Leary
Owner Operator JoanieO"