Having just completed their training, Marine Rescue Eden have undertaken their first rescue mission, supporting NSW Police Marine Area Command in the retrieval of a sick crew member from the bulk carrier Daiwan Falcon.
The vessel had not long left Eden bound for New Zealand when the crew member became ill, forcing it to make an unscheduled return to port for the crew member to receive urgent medical attention.
As the rising sun coloured the southern skies on Saturday 14 May, Marine Rescue Eden rescue vessel X30, with crew Guy Illy, Garry Thornton, Greg Madden, Tom Cousin, Fay Cousin, Roger Barson and Malcolm McConnell headed out to the Pilot Pickup Point at the entrance to Twofold Bay, about two nautical miles offshore. Accompanying them on their maiden mission was Eden Water Police vessel Falcon.
While the weather conditions were favourable, a swell of around 3.5 metres made for difficult conditions for the transfer of the ill crew member from the bulk carrier.
The crew member was initially transferred onto the Eden Water Police vessel Falcon, with X30 standing by to retrieve anyone who might have accidentally fallen into the water during the tricky transfer.
Falcon and X30 then moved to calmer waters where the crew member was transferred aboard the Marine Rescue Eden rescue vessel.
Once the patient was safely aboard X30, it proceeded to the wharf at Snug Cove and a waiting ambulance. Here the final transfer occurred, with the crew member assisted to the ambulance who transported him to the nearby Bega Hospital for treatment.
Congratulations to all the members of MR Eden who have trained hard over the past few months to get themselves ready for this, their first call-out. Thank you too for the efforts of the trainers in helping them to achieve this significant milestone.
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