U.S. Coast Guard crews medically evacuate 63-year-old man near St. Augustine

Son says father suffered from pain from possible broken legs

ATLANTIC BEACH, Fla. – U.S. Coast Guard rescue crews say they medically evacuated a 63-year-old man from a 25-foot recreational vessel about 44 miles east of St. Augustine.

Curtis Deal, 63, was on board the recreational vessel with his son on Wednesday. Deal's son contacted watchstanders at the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville command center at 10:42 a.m. to request a medevac for his father.

Deal's son reported his father was experiencing pain from possible broken legs due to impact from a large wave. After consulting with a Coast Guard flight surgeon, officials said a medical evacuation was determined necessary.

A rescue boat crew from Coast Guard Station Mayport said they launched aboard a 45-foot Response Boat-Medium, and an air rescue crew from Air Station Savannah, Ga., launched aboard an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter.

The aircrew then hoisted Deal aboard the helicopter and transferred him to Flagler Hospital, according to authorities.

Deal's condition is unknown.

--U.S. Coast Guard photo