Ual-Lobito Ship Details and Seafarer Feedback

On September 3, 2018, at approximately 9:40 PM, the NSRI Table Bay duty crew was notified by the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) about a man who had fallen and sustained injuries aboard the UAL Lobito, which was anchored off the coast of Table Bay. The incident involved unauthorized individuals aboard the vessel that had earlier departed from Table Bay Port. Of the two intruders, one was reported to be injured from the fall. In response, the NSRI Table Bay launched the lifeboat "Spirit of Vodacom," with support from WC Government Health EMS rescue paramedics, and proceeded to rendezvous with the vessel at its anchorage. Authorities from the South African Police Services were also informed about the situation. Upon reaching the UAL Lobito, a coordinated effort was initiated to rescue the injured individual, who was trapped in a confined space among containers on the ship. The crew of the vessel was unable to access the area. Using high angle ropes and specialized equipment, NSRI rescue swimmers and EMS paramedics executed a technical rescue operation. The injured man, a 22-year-old from Tanzania, was extricated using a Stokes basket stretcher after sustaining a suspected fractured ankle due to the fall. The second individual, an 18-year-old, was uninjured and remained in the care of the ship's crew. Once safely aboard the lifeboat, the injured man was transported to the Port of Table Bay, where he was then taken to the hospital in a stable condition by EMS ambulance. Meanwhile, the teenager was handed over to the Sea Borderline Police for further action. The police have initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. For further details and photos, you can visit the NSRI report: http://www.nsri.org.za/2018/09/patient-evacuation-off-ship-table-bay/