NSRI assists in cross-border medical evacuation off Namibian coast

NSRI Port Nolloth duty crew were placed on alert following reports of a fishing vessel at anchor North of Alexander Bay with rope fouled around the vessels motor propellors.

The Namibian fishing vessel were at anchor across the border in Namibian waters and were making arrangements with their fishing company to free the rope in cooperation with local services.

Later on Thursday, the skipper of the fishing vessel had reported to MRCC (Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre) that they had a crewman onboard suffering a medical condition and requesting medical assistance.

The 22 meter vessel, with 21 crew onboard, had been at anchor with rope fouled around her motor propellors offshore North of Alexander Bay in Namibian waters and while at anchor, attending to removing the fouled rope, they reported to MRCC an ill crewman onboard.

In communications with a WC Government Health EMS duty doctor it was deemed necessary for the crewman to be evacuated to hospital as soon as possible.

(For the fishing vessel to return to Luderitz, with the patient, would take over a day's voyage).

In cooperation with border authorities MRCC requested NSRI Port Nolloth to respond to the medical evacuation operation in Namibian waters.

Arrangements were made by MRCC, in cooperation with South African and Namibian border authorities, and with the SA Police Services, for NSRI to cross the border into Namibian coastal territory.

At 05h00 on Friday, 3 April, NSRI Port Nolloth duty crew towed the NSRI rescue craft Vodacom Rescuer II  to Alexkor Harbour, Alexander Bay, where, in cooperation with the harbour master, the rescue craft was launched.

NSRI rendezvoused with The Namibian fishing vessel 8 nautical miles offshore - 3 nautical miles into Namibian waters.

The patient was transferred onto the NSRI rescue craft and in a stable condition he was brought to Alexkor Harbour where he was taken into the care of paramedics and transported by ambulance to the Namibian border post.

The SA Police Services assisted with the logistics and coordinatiion.

We believe that Namibian medical services met them at the border post where Namibian paramedics took over care of the patient who was transported to hospital in Namibia.

The patient, age 52, from Namibia, is expected to make a full recovery.

NSRI Port Nolloth crew recovered the rescue craft and returned to Port Nolloth.

Alexkor Harbour Master, NAMDEB company authorities and the SA Police Services are commended for their assistance in the logistics and coordination of the operation.

The fishing vessel continued on her voyage after removing rope fouled around her motor propellors.

All services and authorities involved are commended for their assistance in this successful medical evacuation operation.

NSRI EOC (Emergency Operations Centre), Namibian and South African border authorities, Alexkor Harbour - Harbour Master, Alexkor medical services, NSRI Port Nolloth duty controllers, Telkom Maritime Radio Services, the SA Police Services, NAMDEB mining company, Police Sea Borderline Control, Namibian medical services, WC Government Health EMS Metro Control and an EMS duty doctor and TNPA (Transnet National Ports Authority) Port Health, assisted MRCC in the logistics and the coordination of this medical evacuation operation.