ST FRANIC BAY – A quick-thinking skipper’s emergency dash to port and swift NSRI response saved the life of a 53-year-old fisherman who collapsed unconscious aboard a chokka fishing vessel off St Francis Bay on March 17.
Louwrens Bezuidenhout, NSRI St Francis Bay deputy station commander, said that at 06:06 on 17 March, NSRI St Francis Bay duty crew were activated following a request for urgent medical assistance from the skipper of a local chokka fishing boat reporting that a crewman on board had collapsed unconscious.
He said that the NSRI duty crew responded to St Francis Bay station 21 rescue base to prepare for launch, while Rapid Emergency Medical Services (REMS) were simultaneously activated.
“At that stage the vessel was approximately 1.7 nautical miles offshore and heading towards Port St Francis when the skipper indicated that his crewman’s condition had deteriorated and he was motoring at best speed to come into port,” said Bezuidenhout.
According to him, after the vessel entered Port St Francis and moored at the quayside, NSRI medics boarded and immediately commenced CPR on the local fisherman.
“NSRI medics were joined by REMS paramedics, and following extensive CPR efforts, a pulse and spontaneous breathing was restored,” said Bezuidenhout.
He said that in critical condition the patient was transported to hospital by REMS ambulance.
Bezuidenhout said the patient’s condition has stabilised in hospital, and while he remains in serious condition, there are positive signs of recovery.
He said that the patient is due to be transferred to a specialised hospital unit in Gqeberha.
“Our thoughts and care are with the patient, his family and colleagues in this difficult time,” said Bezuidenhout.
NSRI spokesperson, Craig Lambinon, said that NSRI commends the skipper and crew of the chokka fishing vessel for their quick actions in bringing the patient to shore.
He praised the extensive efforts of the NSRI St Francis Bay crew, REMS ambulance services and hospital staff for caring for the patient.
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