Three seafarers injured aboard a 292m bulk carrier anchored off Richards Bay were on Tuesday afternoon medically evacuated and transported to hospital.

The vessel, anchored eight nautical miles offshore, was due in port later in the afternoon, but owing to inclement weather forecast and big sea swells, the decision was made to medically evacuate the patients while at anchorage.

ALSO READ: Couples assisted sailing into the Port of Richards Bay

“At 3.54pm, our duty crew were activated and the NSRI rescue craft Ocean Guardian was launched from the Station 19 base, accompanied by NSRI maritime extrication crew,” said NSRI Richards Bay station commander Norman Rautenbach.

He notes that, when they met up with the motor vessel 8 nautical miles offshore, swells were around 3 to 4 metres. During the operation, however, they increased to 7-metre swells.

“The master of the vessel was requested to raise anchor and manoeuvre to create a lee against the increasing sea conditions, assisting our rescue craft to come alongside.”

Rautenbach notes the NSRI medical extrication crew were transferred to the vessel and two of the three injured men – both in a stable condition, aged 53 and 34 – were prepared to be transferred to the rescue craft.

“Secured into personal protective gear and safety lines, using the pilot ladder, the men were transferred safely onto our rescue craft followed by our rescue crew.

“The third casualty, in a stable condition, remained on board pending the vessel coming into the Port of Richards Bay later the same day.”

Rautenbach said the two men were transported to the NSRI Station 19 base and then on to hospital by MedCare 24 for further medical care.

Don’t have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here:

HAVE YOUR SAY

Like our Facebook page  and follow us on Twitter.

For news straight to your phone invite us:

WhatsApp – 060 784 2695

Instagram – zululand_observer

TikTok – @zululand_observer