Port Stephens Volunteers Conduct Emergency Medical Evacuation Off Broughton Island

newy.com.au – Marine Rescue Port Stephens volunteers have carried out a complex medical evacuation at sea after a 77-year-old man collapsed on board a racing yacht during the Noakes Sydney to Gold Coast Yacht Race on Sunday, 27 July.

The distress call was made via marine radio at 8.45am, with the skipper issuing a “PAN PAN” alert, a maritime signal used to indicate urgent need for assistance without immediate danger of sinking. The vessel, carrying 11 crew, was located approximately 25 nautical miles off the coast near Broughton Island.

Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Steve Raymond confirmed rescue vessel Port Stephens 31 (PS31) was deployed from d’Albora Marina shortly after the call was received. Travelling at speeds up to 28 knots, the vessel took nearly an hour to reach the yacht in offshore conditions with 1.5 metre swells.

The 77-year-old had been unconscious, then disoriented, before the crew aboard the yacht administered first aid and stabilised him. A helicopter medivac was considered during early response coordination, but after PS31 arrived and assessed the patient, it was decided a sea transfer and road ambulance would be the safest option.

Bringing two vessels together at sea proved difficult, with damaged sails still partially deployed and the yacht struggling to hold position. PS31 Coxswain Peter Wood explained, “The yacht was struggling to hold position and drop sails, so we had to make the transfer at sea. In situations like this, we have to judge the movement of both vessels and get close enough to safely ‘jump’ a casualty across while holding station.”

Volunteer crew member Grant Leddie, who carried out the transfer, said, “With an almighty heave of the lifejacket, I grabbed the patient and lifted him clear, straight through the air, onto our deck. It was one of those ‘superhuman dad strength’ moments.”

Shortly after the patient was safely on board, his companion also began feeling unwell and was transferred for monitoring. Both individuals were brought back to Nelson Bay and handed over to NSW Ambulance paramedics.

The operation was coordinated across several agencies, including Marine Area Command, Race Control, Water Police, and Marine Rescue radio operators using the Gan Gan repeater system to maintain long-range communication throughout. Water Police also responded and shadowed PS31 during its return journey.

The entire rescue lasted just over four hours, with some Marine Rescue crew responding in civilian clothing after receiving the call.