A medical team and aviators from Shark 22 prepare the stricken man for airlift. Photo by LSPH Darren Yates .

RAN personnel in The Gulf went to the aid of a critically ill merchant seaman a few days ago. The ship's company of HMAS Kanimbla including her doctor, medics and aviators combined to carry out the rescue.

Their professionalism later brought praise from the ill seaman's master.

In the early hours of February 25 the captain of the bulk oil tanker Guru Gobind Sing put out a distress call via satellite phone to civilian agencies on shore. He asked for medical help for one of his crew members suffering from probable appendicitis.

The plea for help was passed on to Kanimbla then conducting a routine anti-smuggling patrol in the northern end of The Gulf. Kanimbla answered the call, responding immediately.

On the way the warship's doctor used VHF radio to talk to those on the tanker.

It became evident the seaman needed immediate medical help and a decision was made on Kanimbla to use her helicopter to land the doctor and medics on the merchant ship.

While maintainers and aviators readied Shark 22, the ship's Sea King helicopter, in the ship's state-of-the-art medical facility the medics prepared a kit to be taken to the Indian seaman.

An examination showed the seaman did have acute appendicitis and that infection had spread to his bowel. He needed to be in hospital as soon as possible.

The doctor and medics put the man into a special stretcher and once he was secure they called in Shark 22 to winch him on board.

The medical team followed.

With all on board the Sea King flew to the Kuwait International Airport where local medical teams waited to transfer the seaman to hospital.

It was reported that all aspects of the medivac went smoothly and with a minimum of fuss, reflecting the professionalism of the sailors, doctor, medics and aircrew involved.

The master of the bulk tanker applauded the RAN for its help.

By Graham Davis