A 1-year-old San Diego girl who became ill aboard her family’s sailboat about 900 nautical miles from Cabo San Lucas after about two weeks at sea was stabilized Saturday and was awaiting a transfer to a Navy frigate for further treatment.
The team of Air National Guardsmen from the Bay Area’s 129th Rescue Wing based at Moffett Federal Airfield launched a rescue mission for the stricken girl aboard the 36-foot vessel called Rebel Heart Thursday following a call from the U.S. Coast Guard, spokesman 2nd Lt. Roderick B. Bersamina said.
Lyra Kaufman required treatment beyond the capabilities of the others on board, which included parents Eric and Charlotte Kaufman and 3-year-old sister, Cora, according to Bersamina and broadcast reports.
The Rebel Heart had also lost its steering and communications abilities, Bersamina said.
Thursday evening, a team of Air National Guard rescuers parachuted into the ocean to board the Rebel Heart. Bersamina said they would prepare the girl to be hoisted into a HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter and would be taken for further treatment.
The rescue team remained with the family and were providing the girl with continuous care, Bersamina said.
Bersamina said the San Diego-based USS Vandegrift was en route to help and the rescue team would stay with her until she reaches a medical facility.
— City News Service
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