October 22, 2018
A 64-year-old crewman suffered a head injury after being struck in the face by a crane hook aboard the ARCTIC STORM. Due to possible complications from blunt force trauma to the head the Coast Guard recommended medical evacuation by helicopter. The incident happened 25 miles off the Oregon coast. There is no news about the status of the injured fisherman. The ARTIC STORM is a 270-foot factory trawler that fishes in Alaska, Washington, and Oregon.
All deckhands working with deck cranes on fishing vessels should be properly trained. All hooks, safety hooks, lines, and controls should be kept in safe operating order. Early reports in this case indicate the crewman was struck by a “loose crane hook”. Hooks should be secured at all times.
It is important in all head injury cases aboard commercial fishing vessels that injured crewman be quickly and properly evaluated. Coast Guard Flight Surgeons are available to assist vessel in evaluating injuries and determining whether an injured crewman should be evacuated.