Just after 6:30 Tuesday evening Wilmington Firefighters on the D platoon were alerted for a person suffering from a medical emergency on a vessel docked at Berth 5 in the Port of Wilmington, according to Battalion Chief John Looney.
Looney said Engine 2 arrived moments after dispatch and quickly sized up the incident, subsequently requesting additional support from the department’s special operations team.
Engine 2 Officer Lieutenant Jeffrey Lindell advised the person in distress was approximately 60 feet below deck and unable to move. It was determined the male subject would need to be removed via stokes basket utilizing ropes and riggings.
Battalion Chief Michael Harris arrived on scene, assumed command, and utilized the WFD Special Operations Team to affect a rescue. Looney said the special operations rescue team descended down to the patient and packaged the patient in a stokes basket.
Crews utilized the onboard crane to hoist the patient out of the hull of the ship and lowered over to dockside units. The additional crews and EMS personnel transferred the patient to the stretcher and the patient was transported to the Wilmington Hospital. The rescue took in approximately 20 minutes.
Looney did not release the condition of the patient.
