Crewman Winched Off Bulk Carrier Off Fraser Coast

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On July 22, a crewman who fell seriously ill was airlifted off the bulk carrier and rushed to hospital by a rescue helicopter.

What happened?

The Bundaberg based RACQ LifeFlight Rescue team were informed about the emergency situation and they they rushed to the bulk carrier ‘Oceana’. The rescue helicopter performed a perfect winch mission and airlifted the crewmen who was seriously ill off the deck of a bulk carrier.

Perfect winch:

The RACQ LifeFlight Rescue helicopter flew from Bundaberg to Hervey Bay airport just after 9.30 Saturday morning and refuelled, which enabled them to stay airborne for longer hours. The rescue helicopter crew located the Oceana bulk carrier 130 kms off the coast of Hervey Bay.

Rescue Aircrewman Chris Jowsey, RACQ LifeFlight, said; “The mission went smoothly. It was ideal conditions to perform the winch from the vessel, the seas were calm and thankfully there wasn’t much wind”.

Patient admitted in hospital:

The helicopter flew over the bulk carrier and lower the Flight Intensive Care Paramedic as well as another rescue crewman down to the deck of the vessel. Medical assistance was provided to the patient, a 30 year old Chinese man who suffered from acute abdominal pain. He was rushed airlifted with the help of a harness and rushed to the Hervey Bay Hospital. Where the patient is said to be in a stable condition.

The bulk carrier proceeded towards its destination to Newcastle, after the successful rescue mission.

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Source: Gympie Times