At approximately 10h45 on Tuesday morning 11 July 2017, Netcare 911 paramedics responded to reports of a distress call as rescue teams were called upon to assist a sinking vessel off the coast of Durban.
Netcare 911’s Rescue Unit and Advanced Life Support paramedics attend frequent joint training exercises with the NSRI and the Air Force teams based at Squadron 15 in Durban so as to be adequately prepared to assist in these eventualities. Last week they all partook in a joint rescue out to sea and again today everything went smoothly as practiced.
Reports from the scene allege that the fishing vessel with 16 on board ran into trouble and a distress call was placed, the vessel had caught fire and there was “an explosion” on board. The vessel then began to sink.
All 16 seamen were accounted for and in life rafts. The closest vessel to the incident was a large freight ship and they went to the aid of the stranded men. Two men had been confirmed injured.
The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) contacted the NSRI who in turn dispatched Netcare 911 and the Air Force from Durban’s 15 Squadron.
A joint operation between the NSRI, Netcare 911 and the Air Force was launched and rescue personnel responded to the incident which was located about 10 nautical miles out to sea.
Netcare 911 Advanced Life Support paramedics were lowered down to the vessel from the hoist in the Oryx helicopter to attend to the injured. The injured were then hoisted up in a rescue basket.
The first man, approximately 40 years old, had sustained severe burns to his hands, arms and face and was given analgesic medication to manage his pain.
The second man, approximately 60 years old, had sustained a moderate injury to his left leg.
Both the injured were flown directly to hospital for further assessment and care.
The other 14 seamen were fortunate to escape without injury.
South Africa Today – South Africa News
