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NSRI assists 15 Sqn in rescue of sailor

Two volunteers from the NSRI assisted the SAAF when two Oryx helicopters of 15 Squadron flew to a fishing trawler 220 nm off Durban to remove the injured captain who had been stabbed by a fellow crewmember.

We got airborne approximately 13:20 and headed almost due east. I estimated our altitude at 4000ft although we were well above the clouds for most of the way. The flight was relatively uneventful and I spent most of my time mentally preparing for the tasks ahead and the possible scenarios we may face. Arriving at the rendezvous point, it didn't take long to identify the two vessels and after a short low fly-by we identified the casualty vessel. A minute later both Fiona (Medic) and myself were on the hoist and being lowered to the pitching deck of the Taiwanese fishing vessel. All credit must go to the exceptional flying skill of Col. Chisolm and hoist operation of Flt. Lt. Jeans who had to place us on an LZ no more than 3 square meters. I was especially appreciative of their skills and team work when the foremast was bearing down on us at a rate of knots and was somewhat relieved at watching it pass well below us instead of the latter, that being a rather painful impact.

On the deck, the crew lead us into the wheel-house and once inside, to the Captain's cabin just aft. Our patient was found standing up, still conscious and coherent with his head bandaged up, but still bleeding from his wounds. Per the pre-flight briefing I opted to sling hoist our casualty rather than stretcher him as this would be far quicker and safer. Fiona assessed the casualty further whilst I arranged the hoisting procedure (via VHF radio) with the awaiting Oryx helicopter and confirmed with the vessel's crew that the patient had his passport with him.

Together with the crew we escorted the captain to the foredeck and positioned him ready for the hoist. I chose to send Fiona up first so she could make ready any medical equipment she may need. Additionally I felt that having more experience I would was best suited to deal with any problems should the hoist develop difficulties. A few minutes later Fiona was locked in and with a ready signal she was on her way up. I, in the mean time conducted a final check of the captain and instructed two crew remove is shoes as they would come adrift in flight. Soon the strop was back on deck and I clipped in (full body harness) and assisted the captain with climbing into the strop. A final safety check, look around and ready to hoist signal given, we were on our way up.

Once safe inside, Fiona and myself administered first aid and settled in for the long flight back. Fiona was a true expert and adapted her skills to the very hot and noisy environment. I was truly impressed at how she was able to take a BP (Blood Pressure) reading without the use of a stethoscope (which would be completely useless due to the noise.) Our patient was made as comfortable as possible and monitored regularly for the remaining flight to hospital.

At approximately 17h00 we landed at the St. Augustine's helipad where we handed our patient to the hospital medical staff.

Both praise and appreciation must be made of both 15 squadron flight crews who's skills, professionalism and conduct were exceptional.

Oryx 1:
Col. Graham Chisolm
Lt. Hienrich Thomas
Fl Sgt. Neville Jeans

Oryx 2
Maj. Brad Grafton
Lt. Phil Chabalala
Fl Sgt. Andrew Walker
Wiggil (Photographer)

Excluisive report by Andre Fletcher
Air-Sea Rescue Unit
NSRI - Durban

Photographs: Wiggil (15 Sqn, SAAF)