What Crew Members Say About Zonda

On Thursday afternoon, a 29-year-old Indian sailor was successfully rescued by the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) near Port Elizabeth after suffering a serious injury from a 6-meter fall aboard the cargo vessel, Zonda. The incident occurred just after 4 PM, prompting immediate action from the NSRI Port Elizabeth station. Ian Gray, the station commander, reported that they were alerted by the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) to prepare for the ship's arrival, as the seaman was experiencing significant hip and back pain from his fall. While aboard the Zonda, the injured sailor received initial treatment in the ship's medical room. The MRCC (Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre) and Telkom Maritime Radio Services coordinated with a government health EMS doctor who assessed the sailor’s condition via radio communication. The doctor deemed it critical to evacuate the patient for further medical care, necessitating the diversion of the Zonda, which was navigating approximately 62 nautical miles from Port Elizabeth. The vessel was projected to be offshore at around 6 PM. In response, the NSRI launched the Eikos Rescuer IV at 6:10 PM, accompanied by an EMS rescue paramedic. They met the Zonda 4 nautical miles offshore of Port Elizabeth to facilitate the swift transfer of the injured sailor for urgent medical assistance. Initial reports indicate that the sailor is in stable but serious condition. For more information on maritime incidents and rescues, visit [RNews](http://www.rnews.co.za/article/14677/sailor-rescued-off-port-elizabeth-following-6-meter-fall-aboard-cargo-ship).