Discover the Poplar-Arrow: Ratings & Maritime News

On May 2, 2018, at approximately 11 a.m., the cargo ship 'Poplar Arrow' departed from Antwerp. However, as the day progressed, the vessel encountered an unexpected situation when it experienced an overflow on the quay in Zandvliet Lock around 4 p.m. This prompted the ship to remain in the lock for an extensive inspection to ensure safety and operational integrity. After resolving the issue, the 'Poplar Arrow' was able to continue its journey, setting sail for Santander at 6 p.m., with an estimated time of arrival (ETA) scheduled for May 5.

On September 28, 2013, at 10 a.m., a coordinated rescue operation unfolded off the coast of Cape Point, 150 nautical miles offshore. The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) Helicopter Rescue Unit, in collaboration with the South African Air Force's 22 Squadron and the Western Cape Government Health Emergency Medical Services, was called into action after the bulk carrier 'Polar Arrow' reported that a 37-year-old Chinese crewman was suspected to be suffering from a heart attack. The 'Polar Arrow,' traveling from Rio de Janeiro to Singapore, urgently requested medical assistance, prompting the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) to involve the duty doctor from Western Cape Government Health EMS. Through a satellite phone, the doctor evaluated the stricken crewman's condition and quickly determined the necessity for immediate evacuation. At noon, the mission commenced as two Oryx helicopters from SAAF 22 Squadron departed from Air Force Base Ysterplaat. Upon arrival at the scene, they faced challenging conditions with six-meter swells and winds gusting at 30 knots. An NSRI rescue swimmer, along with a paramedic from Western Cape Government Health EMS, was hoisted down onto the ship to provide medical assistance to the seriously ill crewman, who was stabilized on-site. Following stabilization, the crewman was carefully secured in a specialized medevac hoisting stretcher and lifted into the helicopter where he received further medical treatment. The operation concluded successfully at 2:50 p.m. when the helicopter landed back at Air Force Base Ysterplaat. The patient was quickly transferred to a waiting EMS ambulance and rushed to the hospital for additional care. For further details and photos of this remarkable rescue operation, visit the NSRI website: http://www.nsri.org.za/2013/09/patient-casualty-evacuated-off-ship-3/