Initiative, training and the rapid response by Australian Navy’s Armidale Class Patrol Boat crew Assail Four has saved the life of a Chinese mariner, critically injured at sea, 80 nautical miles south-east of Christmas Island.
The merchant seaman had suffered a serious fall aboard the vessel MV Peng Hu Wang on New Year’s Day, breaking an ankle and sustaining a life-threatening puncture wound to the chest.
Embarked in HMAS Launceston, Assail Four conducted the high speed mercy dash at the request of the Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC) Australia. At the crew’s initiative, the patrol boat transferred a specialist medical officer from a nearby Australian Customs and Border Protection Service (ACBPS) Vessel.
Less than two hours later Launceston received the casualty, together with an English-speaking Chinese chaperone. Launceston’s Primary Health Care Provider, Petty Officer Naval Police Coxswain Luke Miller took charge of the evolution.
On arrival back at Flying Fish Cove, Christmas Island, HMAS Launceston was met by paramedics on a Pusher Barge who took the casualty to the Christmas Island Medical Centre for further treatment.
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Press release, Image: Australian Defence