INJURED MAN ON SHIP

Press, Volume C, Issue 29513, 15 May 1961, Page 13

INJURED MAN ON SHIP

Rescue Trip In Rough Weather

After a request for medical assistance for a seaman aboard the inter-colonial freighter, Waimea, anchored in the stream at Lyttelton, three St. John Ambulance men left in the Diamond Harbour launch, Ngatiki, at 10 p.m. on Friday to bring him ashore. The injured man is Leslie Forest, aged 52, of Middlesborough, Great Britain. He suffered a head injury after falling down an accommodation ladder in the crew's quarters. Mr Forest was brought ashore and after examination by Dr. P. A. M. Heath, of Lyttelton. was sent to the Christchurch Public Hospital. His condition yesterdaj’ was reported as fairly satisfactory. A rough sea and a strong north-east wind made it difficult for the launch to get alongside the Waimea. After several attempts, Mr J. Downie, the launch-master, brought the craft close enough to receive the patient, who was lowered over the ship’s side in an alpine stretcher. Mrs M. Aitken, junior, a daughter - in - law of the launch proprietor, went on the trip to help. Also aboard were Captain C. C. Gass, the Union Steam Ship Company wharf superintendent, and the three Lyttelton ambulance men, Messrs E. G. Gee.’ey, B. Hawkey, and J Duffel. The whole rescue trip took about an hour.