LifeFlight winches man from ocean in multi-agency rescue

The LifeFlight Bundaberg-based aeromedical crew yesterday winched a man to safety after he became unwell onboard a stranded yacht.

Another sailor on the boat contacted Marine Rescue Queensland (MRQ) for help as they were unable to return to land due to engine difficulties and a damaged sail.

Tasked by Retrieval Services Queensland, the rescue chopper was tasked to the vessel located 25 nautical miles off Burnett Heads at 3.47pm.

The patient wore a lifejacket and swam a safe distance away from the yacht to be winched into the aircraft by the LifeFlight rescue crew officer.

He was treated onboard by the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) flight critical care paramedic.

The remaining sailor and yacht were towed to shore by MRQ shortly after.

The man, aged in 70s, was airlifted in a stable condition to the LifeFlight Bundaberg base and then driven by ambulance to Bundaberg Hospital for further treatment.

The Bundaberg-based LifeFlight helicopter and crew service the Wide Bay-Burnett region and beyond.

Share the post:

Similar news & articles

Two leading Queensland aeromedical organisations have joined forces to encourage Capricorn region communities to learn free, lifesaving skills to help in a medical...
The Roma-based LifeFlight Surat Gas Aeromedical Service (SGAS) aeromedical crew today airlifted a woman after a horse fall....
The LifeFlight Sunshine Coast-based aeromedical crew today airlifted a man to hospital after a motocross crash in the Gympie region....

Stay connected with LifeFlight

Our community newsletters are your way of staying connected. Learn about our groundbreaking initiatives and hear real-life stories of lives transformed by our service.

Stay connected with LifeFlight

Our community newsletters are your way of staying connected. Learn about our groundbreaking initiatives and hear real-life stories of lives transformed by our service.
Newsletter