Southern Ocean Medical Evacuation Underway
25 January 2005
Southern Ocean Medical Evacuation Underway
The National Rescue Co-ordination Centre (RCCNZ) is co-ordinating the emergency evacuation of a 54 year old man who has fallen ill on the Snares islands, some 120 nautical miles south of New Zealand.
The cause of the man’s illness is not known, but he is in urgent need of medical attention.
RCCNZ Search and Rescue Officer, Shailesh Raj, said that two helicopters have been tasked with carrying out the rescue, one of which will provide cover for the other on the trip south.
“The helicopters left Invercargill at 6:30 am this morning and are due to arrive at the Snares Islands at 7:30 am” said Mr Raj.
The man will be brought back directly to Invercargill hospital for treatment. The helicopter carrying the man is expected to arrive around 8:40 am.
ENDS