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ROUGH RESCUE (above): HMAS Anzac’s RHIB is about to be hoisted onboard with the Japanese patient from the Azuma Maru. |
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EASY DOES IT (left): The patient is lifted onto Anzac as medical assistants ABM Troy Boulton (centre) and LSM Stephen Bradford (right) prepare to transfer him below deck.
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Photos: LSEWT Mark Karow |
Volume
49, No. 15, August 24, 2006
By Michael Brooke
The ship’s company of HMAS Anzac (CAPT David Middleton) recently assisted in the evacuation of a seriously ill crew member from a Japanese fishing vessel, the Azuma Maru, off the coast of Western Australia.
Navy received an urgent request for assistance on August 12, which led to Anzac immediately embarking a medical officer and specialist medical equipment before sailing from her home port of FBW.
On reaching the fishing vessel, some 220 miles to the south west of Cape Leeuwin, a small boat transfer was successfully conducted in heavy seas and the ill crew member was transferred to Anzac.
The evacuated crew member, who was in a serious but stable condition, was transferred to a civilian hospital when Anzac arrived at Fremantle on August 14.
“I was extremely pleased by the response of my ship’s company to the emergency recall on a Friday evening after we had just returned from a couple of weeks at sea,” CAPT Middleton said.
“The whole ship contributed to the mission and we all got the job done in a safe and sensible fashion. Port Services at FBW also did a great job in supporting us”.
Maritime Commander Australia RADM Davyd Thomas said the crew of Anzac successfully conducted a very challenging evacuation in extremely demanding conditions.
“Instances such as these serve as a reminder to all of us of the important role Navy plays, not only in protecting our country and our national interests, but in providing assistance to fellow mariners in need,” he said.
“I am extremely proud of the efforts of our sailors, delighted with the safe execution of this mission and wish the evacuated crew member a speedy recovery.”
