HMAS Launceston assisted in the medical evacuation of a critically ill Chinese mariner from a Chinese fishing vessel, 80 nautical miles south-east of Christmas Island in the Indian Ocean on the afternoon of 1 January, 2015.
The request for Launceston’s assistance came from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, and the patrol boat embarked a civilian medical officer prior to departing.
The Chinese mariner was embarked in HMAS Launceston at sea along with an escorting crewmember. Life-sustaining medical aid was provided during the return to Flying Fish Cove in Christmas Island.
Launceston arrived at Flying Fish Cove at about 6pm local time (10pm Canberra Time) and the mariner was immediately transferred by a waiting ambulance to hospital.