In the early hours of 2 June 2026, the GMSRS Emergency Operations Centre, operating under the Medevac Africa division, coordinated a complex offshore medical evacuation involving a seriously ill crew member aboard a bulk carrier operating far offshore on South Africa’s east coast.
The incident was first reported shortly before midnight on 1 June while the vessel was still more than 300 nautical miles south of Durban. Recognising the potential urgency of the situation, planning and coordination immediately commenced between GMSRS, Cape Town Helicopters Offshore, the vessel’s representatives, shipping agents, MRCC, Port Health and Department of Health stakeholders.
Given the vessel’s distance from shore, resources were placed on standby and Medevac 04, an AS365 Dauphin helicopter operated by Cape Town Helicopters Offshore, was repositioned from Cape Town to Durban to ensure a rapid response once the vessel entered operational range.
As the vessel approached the planned rendezvous point approximately 80 nautical miles offshore, Medevac 04 launched from Durban and proceeded to the scene. Upon arrival, the crew successfully landed on the vessel’s helideck, allowing the Advanced Life Support medical team to access and assess the patient.
Following stabilisation onboard, the patient was safely transferred to the helicopter and transported to a specialist medical facility in Durban while receiving continuous monitoring and treatment throughout the flight.
The patient was handed over to hospital staff for ongoing care shortly after arrival.
This mission demonstrates the value of early notification, proactive planning and close cooperation between maritime, aviation and healthcare stakeholders. By initiating preparations well before the vessel entered helicopter range, the team was able to significantly reduce the time taken to get the patient to definitive medical care.
GMSRS, Medevac Africa and Cape Town Helicopters Offshore extend their thanks to the vessel’s Master and crew, the shipping agents, MRCC, Port Health, Department of Health officials, receiving hospital staff and all supporting agencies involved in the operation.
Every successful mission is the result of teamwork, preparation and a shared commitment to patient care.
The GMSRS Medevac Africa division is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for maritime medical evacuation and search and rescue operations.
Contact Information
For emergency medical rescue or search and rescue activations, contact the GMSRS 24/7 Emergency Operations Centre (EOC): +27 87 22 33 180
For general media enquiries, contact our office during office hours on +27 87 073 6700 or email media@gmsrs.com
