C-Faith Ship Details and Seafarer Feedback

On October 13, 2025, at 1:30 PM, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) in Mossel Bay received an urgent call from the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) Port Control about a medical emergency. A 47-year-old Filipino crew member aboard the vessel 'Rex', which was traveling from Lisbon to Tuticorin, required immediate evacuation. The ship was located approximately 50 nautical miles off the coast of Mossel Bay at the time. The NSRI coordinated efforts with a duty doctor from the Western Cape Government Health EMS, who assessed the situation and confirmed that the patient was in a serious condition, necessitating an urgent airlift to a hospital. Communication channels were efficiently managed by Telkom Maritime Radio Services, ensuring smooth collaboration between TNPA Port Control, the crew's agents, and NSRI duty controllers. Following instructions, the 'Rex' was advised to proceed at maximum speed toward Mossel Bay. Shortly after midnight, NSRI Mossel Bay enlisted its duty crew to prepare rescue vessels for launch. At 1:37 AM on October 14, the NSRI rescue craft 'Spirit of Safmarine II' and 'St Blaise Rescuer' set sail, manned by personnel from NSRI Mossel Bay and Wilderness, along with an EMS rescue paramedic. Two ambulances from ER24 and EMS Metro were dispatched to wait at the NSRI station, ready for the patient's arrival. The rescuers made contact with the 'Rex' approximately one to two nautical miles offshore, navigating through 2-meter swells and southwesterly winds of 6 to 10 knots. With the vessel's crew assisting, the NSRI and emergency teams boarded the ship, where the patient's condition was thoroughly evaluated. To facilitate a safe transfer, a high-angle extrication device was set up, allowing the patient, now stabilized but still in serious condition, to be secured in a Bauman bag stretcher. The patient was transferred onto the NSRI rescue craft, where the EMS paramedic took over care. He was then safely returned to the NSRI base and subsequently transported to a hospital by ER24 ambulance for further medical attention. This coordinated effort involved various agencies including the NSRI Emergency Operations Centre, TNPA, Telkom Maritime Radio Services, and others, showcasing the seamless collaboration in maritime rescue operations. For additional details and photos, visit the NSRI website: https://www.nsri.org.za/2025/10/nsri-mossel-bay-conducts-midnight-medical-evacuation-of-seafarer-50-nautical-miles-offshore/