A YACHTSMAN from Victoria is full of praise for local marine rescue volunteers, following an offshore medical emergency.
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In the early hours of Sunday July 26, Phillip Wold sustained agonising injuries while sailing up the coast. Mr Wold was crewing on the yacht "Smooth Operator", when a winch severed two of his fingers.
Radio contact was initially made with Marine Rescue Port Macquarie, however it was agreed Camden Haven would be better suited to handling the situation.
Local unit commander Ken Rutledge, plus boat crew members Robert Sargent, Ken Clancy and Brian Burton quickly swung into action, with the support of Alan Malcolm and Stan Stevens on radio. It took just fifteen minutes for the rescue team to reach the injured yachtsman.
Phillip Wold and his son Mitch were assisted on board Spirit of Camden Haven II and transported back to Laurieton, where a waiting ambulance took them to Port Macquarie Base Hospital. Doctors were unable to reattach Mr Wold's fingers due to the nature of the injury.
According to marine rescue spokesperson John Mountier, the injured sailor is grateful for the assistance.
"He was full of praise for marine rescue, ambulance, police and hospital staff and the friendly concern shown when he returned to Victoria," Mr Mountier said.
"He must be in good humour as he has already given himself the nickname 'Stumpy'," Mr Mountier concluded.
