Incident highlights the need for clear thinking at sea

Crew saves skipper at sea

SOUTH AFRICA: An accident involving an off port limits launch in Algoa Bay last week clearly highlights the need for crew to remain focused in order to prevent fatalities during incidents at sea - and the crew on board the service barge, Hercules, should be commended for their reactions during a particularly dangerous situation.

Having been called out to deliver supplies to a passing vessel, the Hercules was transferring cargo when the crane caught on the wheelhouse and ripped it off the barge with the skipper still inside.

With the wheelhouse and the skipper in the water, the remaining crew were left without any ability to manoeuvre the vessel and needed to act quickly in order to save the skipper who was being sucked underwater inside the wheelhouse.

According to a harrowing description of the incident by the NSRI who were called out to assist, the skipper managed to extricate himself from the wheelhouse and hold on to a life buoy that had fortunately come unattached from the structure.

Responding to the escalating situation, the two crew members dropped anchor which helped swing the barge in the direction of the skipper. Throwing a rope to him, he was pulled aboard where he was treated for hypothermia and shock.

“I am proud to say that when put to the test our crew were totally professional and their calmness was outstanding, saving both lives and assets,” said owner of the vessel and Xtreme Projects, Kevin Kelly, who added that the company invests significant time and money in training their crew members.

NSRI Gqeberha duty controllers, Gqeberha Port control, Telkom Maritime Radio Services and NSRI EOC assisted MRCC in the coordination of the rescue operation.

NSRI rescue swimmers and an EMS rescue paramedic were transferred onto the casualty vessel which, although damaged, remained structurally sound.

The EMS rescue paramedic and NSRI rescue swimmer continued with medical treatment to the skipper for hypothermia, shock and minor cuts and bruises.

A tow-line was rigged from NSRI's Spirit of Toft which towed the Hercules into port. The vessel is currently being repaired by the original boat builder and is expected to be back in service in about six weeks.