Fisherman injured by winch

Darren Zimmerman, NSRI Simonstown station commander, said: 'Our NSRI Simons Town crew were activated by the Transnet National Ports Authority at 09h08 following a request for medical assistance from the fishing boat SULEIMAN reporting a 57 year old Hout Bay fisherman injured in an accident on board. His torso made contact with a hydraulic winch that was under power, he was reportedly pulled through the winch. They were 22 nautical miles off-shore of Cape Point.'The fishing boat had radioed Telkom Maritime Radio Services requesting assistance and a WC Government Health EMS duty doctor evaluated the fishermans injuries by radio telephone and confirmed that an immediate medical evacuation was necessary.'NSRI Simons Town were activated, WC Government Health EMS rescue squad were placed on alert and CMR (Cape Medical Response) dispatched a paramedic to accompany the NSRI sea rescue craft and a CMR ambulance was alerted to be on stand-by.'NSRI Simons Town sea rescue craft rendezvoused with the fishing boat 1 nautical mile off-shore of Buffels Bay and the CMR paramedic was put on board where he treated and stabilized the injured fisherman suffering a chest injury, fractured ribs and a facial laceration.'The patient was transferred onto our sea rescue craft and brought to shore at Buffels Bay where a CMR ambulance transported the patient, in a serious but stable condition, to hospital where he is expected to make a full recovery following further treatment.' The Hout Bay fisherman is brought ashore. Picture Chops Craig.