A crane sits in the water at Wepfer Marine Drydock Sept. 19, 2023, near Memphis, Tennessee. U.S. Coast Guard Photo
The U.S. Coast Guard helped resuscitated an unresponsive crane operator Tuesday near Memphis, Tennessee, after the crane he was operating fell into the water.
The incident took place approximately 10:15 a.m. at the Wepfer Marine Drydock. A good samaritan on a nearby towing vessel entered the water and was able to locate the unresponsive crane operator.
The USCGC Ouachita crew and one member of the USCGC Obion crew were nearby when the crane collapsed and responded to the incident. The crew used a nearby fire hose as a lifeline to pull the two people to shore and get them out of the water.
Once safely on the pier, the Coast Guard crew began administering CPR. The crew was eventually able to verify a pulse and signs of life and monitored the crane operator until medical transport arrived.
Local emergency medical services arrived at the location and relieved the Coast Guard crew members. The crane operator was then transported to a higher level of medical care.
“I couldn’t be more proud of how our crew responded,” said Chief Petty Officer Will Parris, Coast Guard Cutter Ouachita, executive petty officer. “They relied on their training, experience and each other to get the gentleman the care he needed.”
The cause of the incident is still under investigation.
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