Drama at Sea: Sick Sailor Airlifted from Chausey Islands
A tense rescue unfolded overnight between August 7 and 8, 2024, when a sailor fell seriously ill while anchored in the remote Chausey Islands archipelago. Urgent medical help was needed fast.
Rapid Response from Corsen CROSS and Jobourg Teams
The Corsen regional surveillance and rescue centre (CROSS) was alerted by a distress call from the sailboat. They quickly passed details to CROSS Jobourg, which coordinated with the Le Havre maritime medical emergency services (SCMM) via a conference call to assess the patient’s condition.
After consulting the ship’s crew, the SCMM doctor ordered an immediate evacuation by air to Granville hospital, in the Manche department.
Helicopter and Sea Rescue Join Forces
CROSS Jobourg dispatched the Civil Security’s Dragon 50 helicopter from Bréville-sur-Mer and called on the National Sea Rescue Society’s (SNSM) semi-rigid boat, “Père Delaby,” based in Chausey.
The SNSM team transferred the patient from the sailboat to shore near the Chausey lighthouse. There, the Manche fire and rescue service (SDIS) took over, ferrying the sick sailor to the waiting Dragon 50 chopper.
Successful Airlift to Granville Hospital
The helicopter swiftly airlifted the patient to Granville Hospital for urgent treatment. This mission showcased top-notch teamwork across multiple rescue services, proving help can reach even the most isolated spots in time.
Such coordinated efforts ensure lives are saved at sea, highlighting the vital importance of emergency response networks across the region.
