(photo NSRI)
ST FRANCIS BAY – A routine morning at sea turned critical when a 53-year-old fisherman collapsed unconscious aboard a chokka vessel offshore of St Francis Bay on March 17.. A fast decision by the skipper, followed by a coordinated emergency response, helped bring him back.
Emergency Call From Offshore Vessel
At 06:06 on March 17, NSRI St Francis Bay duty crew were activated after receiving an urgent call for medical assistance. The skipper of a local chokka fishing vessel reported that a crewman had collapsed on deck and was unresponsive.
At the time, the vessel was about 1.7 nautical miles offshore. The situation was already serious. Then it deteriorated further.
Skipper Heads for Port St Francis
The skipper immediately turned the vessel towards Port St Francis. He increased speed and made for shore without delay. At the same time, he kept emergency responders updated as the crewman’s condition worsened.
Meanwhile, NSRI Station 21 crews mobilised to prepare for launch. In addition, Rapid Emergency Medical Services were activated. As a result, teams were in position before the vessel reached port.
CPR Begins on the Quay
As the vessel entered Port St Francis and tied up at the quayside, NSRI medics boarded immediately. They commenced CPR on the fisherman without hesitation.
Shortly afterwards, REMS paramedics arrived and joined the effort. The resuscitation continued in a focused and controlled environment.
Then came a breakthrough.
A pulse was restored. Soon after, spontaneous breathing returned.
Patient Stabilised and Transported
The fisherman was stabilised and transported in critical condition to hospital by REMS ambulance. Since then, his condition has improved. There are positive signs of recovery. He is expected to be transferred to a specialised hospital unit in Gqeberha.
Coordinated Response Saves Life
NSRI spokesperson Craig Lambinon commended the skipper and crew for acting quickly and heading straight for port. This decision proved critical in the outcome.
He also acknowledged the coordinated efforts of NSRI St Francis Bay, REMS paramedics and hospital staff. Each played a key role in the successful response.
In an incident where timing was everything, a fast run to shore and a prepared team made the difference.
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