Winch rescue for RACQ CQ
For the second time in less than a week, RACQ CQ Rescue responded to an emergency onboard a bulk coal carrier off the coast of Hay Point coal loading facility
For the second time in less than a week, RACQ CQ Rescue responded to an emergency onboard a bulk coal carrier off the coast of Hay Point coal loading facility. The Mackay-based rescue helicopter lifted off from Mackay Airport at 06.24 hrs on 15 January to attend to a 50-year-old Indonesian national who was suffering a severe medical condition which required urgent medical attention.
As the crew were unable to land due to obstacles and weigh limits on the deck of the ship, the patient was winched on board the RACQ CQ Rescue helicopter during the emergency operation which took place while the ship was anchored in the Coral Sea. A decision was made to airlift the patient as he had been ill for two days while the ship was waiting to be loaded with coal before continuing its journey.
The patient travelled in a stable to condition to Mackay Base Hospital.