Bristow’s Exmouth search-and-rescue (SAR) crew aboard a Leonardo AW139 successfully transported a patient in need of urgent care from a cruise ship 110 nautical miles off the shore of Exmouth, Western Australia on Dec. 28, 2016. Bristow wireman Jody Melville was lowered down onto the deck in rough sea state and strong wind conditions, where he prepared the young patient and her mother for transfer from the vessel to the helicopter.
“On behalf of my crew and myself, I would like to say a big thank you,” said Capt Andrey Lisnychy of the cruise ship, commending Bristow’s efforts. “I have been at sea for 25 years and seeing you guys in action is something very special. The skill of hovering above the moving ship and following every movement of unpredictable waves is unbelievable!”
The crew transported the critical passenger and her mother back to the Exmouth base, where they were handed over to the care of a St John Ambulance for assessment at the local hospital. Later that day, the patient was transferred to Port Headland via the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
“The Exmouth crew carried out this mission in a highly skilled and professional manner and demonstrated exceptional teamwork,” said Bristow area manager Mark Plunkett.
The SAR crew performing the transport was pilot in command Matthew Nielsen, co-pilot Gui Daniel, rescue crew winch operator Dan Summers and wireman Jody Melville. The aircraft was prepared for flight by engineer Shaun McNamara.
