Lifeboat Scrambles to Aid Chemical Tanker Crewman in Medical Emergency
The UK Coastguard launched the Selsey all-weather lifeboat to assist the 6,000-ton chemical tanker Ellen Essberger after a crew member suffered severe chest pains. The man needed urgent evacuation to hospital following hours of distress onboard.
Paramedic Onboard Diagnoses Possible Heart Attack
The incident unfolded on the evening of Saturday, 16 February. The Denise and Eric, a Shannon class lifeboat, launched at 6.40pm, speeding to a rendezvous point about 10 miles off the coast of Selsey by 7.07pm. Conditions were relatively calm with a southerly force 3 wind and slight seas.
At 7.22pm, two crew members, including a paramedic, boarded the tanker to assess the patient. The paramedic suspected the Filipino crewman was in the midst of a heart attack. Due to the critical condition, a stretcher transfer to the lifeboat was deemed too risky.
Helicopter Rescue Efforts Hampered by Severe Condition
Rescue 175 helicopter arrived on scene at 8.17pm, attempting to winch down the paramedic for 20 minutes without success. The winchman was finally lowered via hi-line transfer at 8.42pm. However, after refueling, the helicopter returned to the tanker to assist further.
Shortly after the paramedic reassessed the casualty, the man suffered a violent seizure and became unresponsive. The winchman reported the patient’s worsening condition — critical and highly agitated — making helicopter evacuation impossible. Both paramedics suspected a major neurological event. Rescue 175 returned to base, leaving the winchman aboard.
High-Stakes Lifeboat Transfer and Hospital Handover
The tanker was guided by a pilot into the Solent, stopping south of portsmouth/" title="Portsmouth" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Portsmouth Harbour. At 11.50pm, the lifeboat took on the casualty, the winchman, and two crew members from the stern using the ship’s companion ladder. The Denise and Eric headed to Camber docks in Portsmouth Harbour.
An ambulance awaited the lifeboat on arrival, transferring the patient to hospital at 12.15am Sunday. The winchman returned to base with local Coastguard officers. The lifeboat left Camber dock at 12.41am, back at Selsey by 1.53am. The crew cleaned, refueled, and readied for duty by 2.50am.
Lifeboat Crew Heroics
- Coxswain: Martin Rudwick
- Mechanic: Geoff Mellett
- Crew Members: Max Gilligan, Will Moir, James Albrey
- Trainee: Terry Healey
The quick response and teamwork of the lifeboat and helicopter crews were key in managing this tense medical emergency on the high seas.
