operation
11 July 2007
The Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism's off shore
environmental protection vessel the 'Sarah Baartman' departed Cape Town bound
for a position some 900 nautical miles west of Cape Town where she will
rendezvous with the cargo vessel 'Nord Orion' to provide medical assistance to
a critically ill crew member.
Two paramedics boarded the patrol vessel in the early hours of the morning
and will be transferred to the cargo ship as soon as conditions allow once the
two vessels have rendezvoused some time tomorrow afternoon. Once a full medical
assessment of the ill man has been completed, decisions will be made as to
whether to transfer him to the 'Sarah Baartman' for the return trip to Cape
Town or to keep him stabilised on board the 'Nord Orion.' With an ability to
attain speed of some 23 knots, the 'Sarah Baartman' is well suited to such a
voyage where issues relating to emergency response are of paramount
importance.
The master of the vessel, Captain Kenton Smith, advised that weather
conditions en route have thus far been adverse with winds in excess of 40
knots. As a result, the 'Sarah Baartman' is currently at a speed of 13
knots.
The 'Nord Orion' is a Panamanian registered bulk carrier.
Media Enquiries:
Mava Scott
Acting Chief Director: Communications
Cell: 082 411 9821
E-mail: mscott@deat.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
11 July 2007
Source: Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (http://www.deat.gov.za)
