Working Conditions Aboard the Full-Kuo-1-0-1

On May 27, 2018, at 3:45 PM, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) Durban crew was alerted by the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) to prepare for a critical medevac operation. A Filipino fisherman aboard the fishing vessel 'Fu Kuo No. 101' was in urgent need of assistance due to knife wounds to his stomach. At the time, the vessel was approximately 50 nautical miles off the coast, en route to Durban from deep-sea fishing. Following an assessment by a Government Health EMS duty doctor, it was confirmed that the patient was in a serious condition requiring immediate medical evacuation. On the morning of May 28, the NSRI lifeboat 'Eikos Rescuer II' was launched, joined by a Netcare 911 rescue paramedic. As the rescue crew advanced 30 nautical miles off the coast, they encountered challenging sea conditions, making a direct medical transfer via boat too risky. The 'Fu Kuo No. 101', still 50 nautical miles from Durban, was instructed to resume its course at maximum speed toward the port. In response, the Transnet National Ports Authority activated its Marine Pilot Services helicopter. At 5:23 PM, an Augusta A109 helicopter, accompanied by a Netcare 911 paramedic, arrived at the scene, meeting the fishing vessel 11.4 nautical miles off the Durban shore. In challenging weather conditions, with swells reaching 2 to 3 meters and winds gusting over 40 knots, the rescue paramedic was hoisted onto the fishing vessel to provide medical assistance. The fisherman received immediate care and was secured onto a Ferno stretcher before being airlifted back to the helicopter. Medical treatment continued in the air as he was rapidly transported to a hospital in Durban, where he was stabilized and prepared for surgery. The entire rescue operation concluded at 7 PM, showcasing the seamless coordination of maritime and emergency personnel in saving a life at sea.