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Ferry passenger requires helicopter evacuation

Ferry Online Travel News 07/04/2008

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A passenger had to be lifted from a ferry to hospital

On April 6th, in the space of just three hours, Yarmouth Coastguard and the crew of RAF Rescue Helicopter responded to two separate cases requiring medical evacuation on the Norfolk Coast. In the first incident, the crews responded to a man on a private yacht who had sustained a head injury. In the second case, a passenger ferry reported a man injured on board.

At around 00:20 in the morning, the coastguard was notified that a 44 year old man on a yacht named “Waikiki” had sustained severe head injuries are required assistance. The injured Dutch man was traveling from Ijmuiden in the Netherlands to Lowestoft when the accident occurred.

As crews were wrapping up the first call, a second came in, this one from a passenger ferry, the “Pride of Hull.”

A 33 year old passenger on board the ferry had fallen, and injured his arm and was having difficulty retaining consciousness.

Both men were taken by helicopter to a local hospital, assisted by Gorleston Coastguard Rescue Team at the landing site.

Wayne Brunning, Yarmouth Coastguard Watch Manager said, "We would like to thank the crew of Rescue Helicopter 125 and Gorleston Coastguard Rescue Team for ensuring that these people were evacuated for treatment as quickly and safely as possible. Whilst it is unusual to get two incidents of this type in quick succession, both incidents were dealt with as quickly and professionally as one would expect."

"We would also like to extend our thanks to our colleagues in the German Navy, the Dutch Navy and also the Dutch Coastguard. Their help was vital in the successful location of the "Waikiki", and ensured that this gentleman was found and evacuated as quickly as humanly possible. This is an example of international co-operation overcoming difficult circumstances and bringing about a successful conclusion."

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