Poplar-Arrow

The "Poplar Arrow", having sailed from Antwerp on May 2, 2018,around 11 a.m. had an overflow on the quay in Zandvliet lock at 4 p.m. and had to remain in the lock for further inspection. The vessel proceeded to Santander at 6 p.m., ETA May 5.

On Sep 28, 2013, at 10 a.m. a NSRI Helicopter Rescue Unit crew, the SA Air Force 22 Squadron and WC Government Health EMS were activated by MRCC to prepare to respond to 150 nautical miles off-shore of Cape Point following a request for medical assistance from the "Polar Arrow" reporting a 37 year old Chinese crewman onboard suspected to have suffered a heart attack. The ship was sailing from Rio de Janeiro to Singpapore. The MRCC arranged for the WC Government Health EMS duty doctor to evaluate the patient’s medical condition by satellite phone and it was deemed necessary for the patient to be airlifted to hospital as soon as possible. Two SAAF 22 Squadron Oryx helicopters lifted off from Air Force Base Ysterplaat at midday. On arrival on-scene, in six meter swells and a 30 knot SW wind, an NSRI rescue swimmer and a WC Government Health EMS rescue paramedic were hoisted onto the ship where they stabilized the patient who is in a serious but stable condition. The patient was secured into a medevac specialized hoisting stretcher and hoisted into the helicopter and received medical treatment onboard the helicopter. On arrival at Air Force Base Ysterplaat at 2.50 p.m. the patient was transferred into a waiting EMS ambulance and transported to hospital for further treatment. Report with photos: http://www.nsri.org.za/2013/09/patient-casualty-evacuated-off-ship-3/