Marine Rescue volunteers ferry injured race sailor to safety

[mrsswordfisherman]

MARINE RESCUE NSW
Media Release

Date: 27 December 2015

Marine Rescue volunteers ferry injured race sailor to safety

A crew from Marine Rescue Jervis Bay has successfully transferred an injured Sydney to Hobart race competitor to shore for medical treatment.

Black Jack, a 21.5m Volvo 70 that finished 5th on line honours in last year's race, was about 30nm off Narooma before turning back up the coastline to transfer the 74-year-old crew member, reported to have sustained a broken femur, to shore.

The crew of Jervis Bay 40, with Deputy Unit Commander Peter Kielar at the helm and NSW Ambulance Paramedics on board, met the yacht in Jervis Bay.

The patient was transferred on board the rescue vessel and then to shore at HMAS Creswell about 10.20pm, before being transferred to Nowra Hospital for medical treatment.

The rescue vessel was subsequently tasked to another late-night call off Vincentia.

Marine Rescue NSW Illawarra Regional Controller Bruce Mitchell congratulated the crew of Jervis Bay 40 for their professional response to the medical emergency.

“Our members are on standby around the clock throughout the busy summer season to assist members of the boating community, whether they are racing to Hobart or a local boater who runs into trouble with a stalled engine or fuel problem,” Mr Mitchell said.

“Operations such as a medical transfer in the dark of night require precision navigation and manoeuvring. The crew members on board Jervis Bay 40 deserve recognition for their skill and experience in successfully completing this operation tonight.”