Man airlifted after falling in boat (Darwin)
Darwin’s CareFlight rescue helicopter was tasked by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) this afternoon to a report of a man fallen over on a boat and suffering suspected spinal injuries.
The incident had occurred near Rinamatta Beach on the western side of Bathurst Island.
The CareFlight aircraft left Darwin Airport just before 6pm and was on scene 20 minutes later. The pilot landed on Rinamatta Beach just 50 metres from the boat which was deliberately run aground to make access easier for medical crews.
Upon arrival the crew found a man in his 50’s lying in the small 27ft Shark Cat complaining of back pain. The helicopter crew and NT Health Doctor had to strip off their flight suits and wade out to the waiting vessel.
The man was placed in a stretcher and carried across the beach to where the helicopter had landed.
He was then airlifted to Royal Darwin Hospital under the care of the doctor. The man had suffered a lower back injury and suspected lower spine damage.
He arrived at the hospital just after 7pm and was listed as being in a stable condition.
For further information please contact Cameron Wade at the CareFlight office on 9687 1111.
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