LAKE SUPERIOR, Mich. — Aboard the vast waters of Lake Superior, the United States Coast Guard recently carried out a crucial emergency training operation on July 6, practicing helicopter hoist procedures aboard the M/V James R. Barker, a massive freighter operated by The Interlake Steamship Company.
The drill was designed to simulate real-world emergency scenarios at sea, including urgent medical evacuations. As part of a broader initiative to improve maritime safety and readiness, the training enabled both crew members and rescue personnel to rehearse their response to life-threatening situations where rapid extraction is necessary.
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According to The Interlake Steamship Company, such collaborations with the USCG are vital for ensuring the highest level of preparedness.
“Partnerships like this are essential for reinforcing emergency protocols and ensuring the safety of everyone aboard our vessels in the event of a medical crisis,” the company said in a statement.
The exercise also highlighted the importance of coordination between commercial shipping operations and federal rescue teams, especially on vast and remote waterways like the Great Lakes.
With maritime shipping remaining a cornerstone of the region’s economy, ensuring that crews and emergency services can act swiftly in the event of an onboard emergency remains a top priority.
