Sailor evacuated from HMAS Armidale in North West Shelf combined rescue

Following a combined operation yesterday involving a range of government and private agencies, a Royal Australian Navy sailor is now resting in hospital in Broome, Western Australia, following a casualty evacuation operation in Australia’s far North West Shelf region.

The rescue occurred after the sailor, from the Royal Australian Navy’s patrol boat HMAS Armidale, fell ill, requiring emergency medical assistance.

After a high-speed transit, the sailor was transferred from HMAS Armidale to the offshore drilling platform ENSCO 109 where he was flown by civilian helicopter to Truscott Air Base in the remote Kimberley region of Western Australia.

The Royal Flying Doctor Service met the sailor at Truscott and flew him on to Broome for treatment. The sailor is now recovering.

The Royal Australian Navy regularly patrols in the North West Shelf region.  The combined response to this situation is a reflection of the close working relationship the Royal Australian Navy maintains with regional industries and government agencies.

The Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Ray Griggs, said the Navy was very appreciative of the efforts that others went to so the sailor could be quickly transferred to receive the care he needed.
 
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