The Songa-Aurora: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

On the early morning of March 26, 2013, a dramatic medical evacuation took place off the coast of Falmouth when the second engineer aboard the tanker 'Patea' experienced a sudden bout of appendicitis. Responding to a distress call, the Falmouth All Weather Lifeboat launched at 4:33 a.m. while the vessel was en route from Port Jerome in Le Havre to Pembroke, Wales. Prompt advice from the Coastguard directed the 'Patea' to alter its course towards Falmouth for the urgent evacuation. The lifeboat and the tanker successfully met approximately five miles south of Falmouth at 5:48 a.m. Two crew members from the lifeboat boarded the 'Patea' to evaluate the engineer's condition. After assessment, the crew member was secured on a stretcher and expertly lowered onto the lifeboat using the ship's crane. By 6:15 a.m., with all safety protocols followed and the crew safely aboard, the lifeboat returned to Falmouth. There, the injured engineer was swiftly transferred to a waiting ambulance and transported to the Royal Cornwall Hospital at Treliske for urgent medical attention. For further details, including video and photos, visit: http://www.thisisthewestcountry.co.uk/news/10316283.Medical_evacuation_from_chemical_tanker_off_Falmouth___VIDEO/