AFM helicopter evacuates seaman needing medical assistance

At 0535hrs on Friday 26^th February 1999 the Malta Rescue Co-ordination Centre of the Armed Forces were informed by their Danish counterpart that a Pakistani registered cargo vessel, "SIBI", was requesting assistance. The "SIBI" was reported to be in a position 75 NM South- East of Luqa, Malta.

The ship's master reported that one of its seaman required urgent medical assistance and probable airlift to hospital for necessary treatment.

The duty pilot at the Air Squadron, 2^nd Regiment was immediately alerted. An AFM Alouette helicopter, piloted by Lieutenant Anthony Zammit, assisted by winch operator Sergeant Mallia Carmel and rescuer Gnr Pepe Derek were dispatched to the area.

Rendezvous between the AFM helicopter and the "SIBI" was established at a position 65 NM South- East off Malta at 0725 hrs. While the pilot hovered the helicopter over the ship, the rescuer was lowered on board where the patient and crew were waiting for the eventual airlift. The AFM helicopter, with the Pakistani patient on board proceeded to St Luke's Hospital were it landed at 0845hrs.