RACQ Capricorn Rescue Helicopter called to ship off Capricorn Coast

The region’s rescue helicopter was called to its fourth marine incident in six days on Friday morning. Here’s what happened.

The RACQ Capricorn Rescue Helicopter’s busy run of marine related incidents has continued, being called to a cargo ship off the Capricorn Coast on Friday morning.

About 5am, the chopper left its Rockhampton base to give treatment to a man on a ship, which was situated about 50 nautical miles east of the Beef Capital.

A Ukrainian national aged in his 60s had suffered suspected heart complications and was treated by a critical care paramedic before being flown to Rockhampton Hospital in a stable condition.

Rescue crewman Garth Snaidero said it had been a busy month for the Rescue300 crew, having conducted four marine related incidents.

On Thursday the Capricorn Rescue Helicopter was called to a vessel in distress off Nine Mile Beach.

Mr Snaidero said the recent missions reinforced the need to be vigilant when taking to the sea.

“The ocean is the most unpredictable environment, with the weather constantly changing,” he said.

“It is important that you have the correct equipment on board, including life jackets, an EPIRB, a marine radio and signal flares, so you are prepared for the unlikely event of an emergency.

“Plan your trip, inform someone of your whereabouts and join your local Coast Guard for additional support and reassurance while you are on the water.”