03/02/2026
We like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who assisted us in this emergency we are truly greatful as we strongly believe as a team we can accomplish anything, we wish the injured a speedy recovery from the faith med ems team
NSRI โ STATION 19, Richards Bay.
NSRI โ Richards Bay โ Thursday, 29 January. Medical evacuation from a ship at sea:
Manie Le Roux, NSRI Richards Bay deputy station commander, said:
At 15h30, Thursday, 29 January, NSRI Richards Bay duty crew were activated on notification from NSRI EOC (Emergency Operations Centre), following a request from MRCC (Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre), for NSRI Richards Bay to urgently respond to medically evacuate 2 seafarers reported to be injured on a container motor vessel offshore of Richards Bay.
Notification was also received from TNPA (Transnet National Ports Authority) Port of Richards Bay Port Control.
Our NSRI duty crew responded to our NSRI Richards Bay station 19 rescue base where we launched the NSRI rescue craft Ocean Guardian, accompanied by an NSRI rescue paramedic and by NSRI MEX (Medical Extrication) crew.
Faith Med ambulance services were activated to stand-by at the NSRI rescue base.
In calm sea conditions with no wind and a sea swell of 0.5 to 1.5 meters we rendezvoused with the motor vessel 6 nautical miles East of the Port of Richards Bay South Pier.
The NSRI rescue paramedic and NSRI MEX crew were transferred onto the motor vessel where the ships medical crew were taking care of 2 patients, a 43 year old male and a 22 year old male, both from India, who were unconscious and both in serious conditions from injuries that they had sustained in an incident onboard.
Ongoing medical treatment was provided and both patients, one secured into a Stokes basket stretcher, and one secured into a Baumann's bag stretcher, in a technical high angle operation, they were transferred in relays of one at a time, belayed 25 meters from the ships freeboard onto the deck of the NSRI rescue craft.
In the care of the NSRI paramedic and NSRI medics the 2 patients, in serious but stable conditions, were brought to our NSRI rescue base and they were transported to hospital by Faith Med ambulance where they are receiving care from doctors and nurses and they are expected to fully recover.
The swift NSRI response and the care and cooperation of the ships crew and their medics is commended.
NSRI EOC (Emergency Operations Centre), NSRI Richards Bay duty controllers and NSRI Richards Bay operations, a WC Government Health EMS duty doctor, WC Government Health EMS Metro Control, Faith Med ambulance services, TNPA (Transnet National Ports Authority) Port of Richards Bay Port Control, TNPA Port Health Authority, Telkom Maritime Radio Services, SA Police Services Sea Borderline Control and the ships agent, assisted MRCC (Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre) in the coordination and logistics of this medical evacuation operation.
-ENDS-
About the NSRI:
The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) is a registered non-profit organisation that is committed to drowning prevention and focused on saving lives, changing lives and creating futures for those threatened by drowning in South Africa.
We are unique in South Africa as the only non-profit organisation focusing exclusively on safeguarding lives and livelihoods in South African waters through education, prevention, and rescue operations. We envision a nation where drowning incidents are minimised, ensuring the safety of all.
The NSRI strives to innovate, constantly evolve, and extend our water safety initiatives through empowerment and visibility. Our volunteers are on call 24/7 and are reliant on donations and sponsorships.
Please visit www.nsri.org.za for more information.
NSRI EMERGENCY: 087 094 9774
RELEASED BY
Craig Lambinon
NSRI COMMUNICATIONS
Email: [email protected] | Cell: +27 (0) 82 380 3800 | nsri.org.za
NSRI
