RACQ CQ Rescue embarked on four missions over the weekend, including a medical evacuation from a bulk carrier. Three of the four outings took place in the Whitsundays.
What happened?
A spokeswoman for the rescue service said an active emergency beacon near Hayman Island was the first mission the chopper crew attended about 10:30am on Saturday
“On arrival at the location the RACQ CQ Rescue crew could see from the air that the vessel did not appear to be in distress,” she said.
Communication disabled:
“However, as they were unable to establish radio communications with the boat, and a Volunteer Marine Rescue crew was on the way, the Rescue helicopter headed to Hamilton Island to refuel before returning to Mackay.”
Later on Saturday, about 2.40pm, RACQ were tasked to Clermont but that job “didn’t eventuate”.
Patient airlifted:
The rescue helicopter and crew were then diverted to Proserpine to transfer a 73-year-old patient to Mackay Base Hospital.
Early on Sunday, about 5:30am, the rescue helicopter was called to the bulk carrier Night Kiss to retrieve a 42-year-old Filipino man who needed urgent medical care.
A routine affair:
He was winched from the moored vessel 20 nautical miles from Bowen and taken to Mackay Base Hospital for assessment and treatment.
After that task, the helicopter was sent to Moranbah, where the crew airlifted a 48-year-old man to Mackay Base Hospital for treatment.
Donations welcomed:
The spokeswoman said RACQ CQ Rescue’s annual community appeal is ongoing and any donations are appreciated.
Money raised will help keep the chopper airborne and saving lives across the Mackay-Whitsunday region.
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Source: Daily Mercury
