Complete Maritime Profile & Reviews of Independent

On January 8, 2020, a swift medical rescue operation unfolded 80 miles offshore from Canterbury, New Zealand, when a crew member aboard the fishing vessel 'Independent' required urgent medical attention. The Westpac Rescue Helicopter team executed a dramatic winching operation to safely retrieve the ailing fisherman from the bow of the vessel. After a laborious hour-long flight to the scene, the crew was able to perform the evacuation successfully. Following the rescue, the fisherman was transported to the hospital for further evaluation and treatment, where he is now on the path to recovery. For a detailed report and video footage of the incident, visit: https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/watch-fisherman-winched-off-vessel-canterbury-coast-after-falling-ill.

A fire erupted on the fishing trawler "Desert Rose" at Lyttelton Port in Christchurch during the early hours of April 18, attributed to damaged electrical wiring. Initially, it was suspected that the blaze was ignited by sparks from a grinder or welder; however, investigations revealed that while welding was a contributing factor, the primary cause was the compromised cabling that had deteriorated in preceding days. The incident led to the necessary hospitalization of crew members, all of whom were discharged by the end of the day. For further details and images of the damage, visit: http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/79116745/photo-shows-damage-to-desert-rose-fishing-trawler-after-fire-in-lyttelton.

On the morning of April 18, 2016, a fire ignited in the aft section of the fishing trawler 'Desert Rose' while it was docked at the west side of Wharf 7 in Lyttelton, Christchurch. The incident occurred at approximately 8:15 a.m., prompting a swift response from emergency services. Six crew members suffered from smoke inhalation, with four requiring hospitalization, while the remaining crew successfully evacuated the vessel. A total of 13 fire engines were deployed, which included six fire crews from Christchurch, five volunteer brigades, and various specialized units. After several hours of intensive firefighting efforts, the flames were finally brought under control. Authorities are currently investigating the fire's cause, with preliminary reports suggesting it may have originated from a spark produced by a grinder or welder. At the time of the incident, the 'Desert Rose' had been undergoing a refit in Lyttelton for roughly four months. For more details, check out the reports with photos and video coverage: [TVNZ](https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/two-people-hurt-in-port-lyttelton-fishing-ship-fire) and [Stuff](http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/79022197/ship-on-fire-at-lyttelton-port).