The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) and the Eastern Cape Health Department's emergency service (EMS) on Wednesday responded to requests for medical assistance from a bulk carrier near Port Elizabeth.
Four Filipino crewmen on board suffered multiple injuries sustained reportedly when a wave broke over their vessel at sea offshore near Port Edward on Tuesday.
The ships medical team provided medical relief to the injured crew and NSRI Durban rescue crew were alerted but the ship then proceeded towards East London and then on to Port Elizabeth, where NSRI Port Elizabeth and EMS were on alert awaiting their arrival.
One man suffered critical injuries with fractures to the jaw, hip, clavicle and a suspected neck fracture, while another man suffered a fractured Femur and hip.
The third man suffered a fractured Tibia and the other sustained bruising to the head.
Spokesperson Craig Lambinon says in unfavourable sea conditions the decision was taken for the medical teams to continue treatment on the ship and arrangements were made with the Transnet National Ports Authority for the ship to enter Port.
After the patients were stabilised the rescue crew and additional medical teams assisted in ongoing medical care and transferring the injured patients on stretchers to ambulances.
They have been transported to hospitals for further treatment by EMS ambulances in serious but stable conditions.
- African News Agency (ANA)
