The Medical Sailing Ministries (MSM) provides medical assistance to the remote Islands of Vanuatu. MSM is a group of volunteers who assist with many medical incidents and, in particular, works with South Pacific communities in the prevention of blindness.
During the night and morning of May 5, the combination of sea swell and high winds rocked the group’s yacht, Chimere, resulting in one seafarer on board falling awkwardly on his hand.
With many of the Chimere’s medical volunteers ashore, knowing that Pacific Dawn was on the horizon and help was available made the man’s pain a bit more bearable.
Pacific Dawn was on a cruise from Brisbane and at the time was at anchor off Mystery Island, one of those great South Pacific destinations for beaches and snorkelling.
Chimere’s skipper made contact with Pacific Dawn’s Captain David Box telling him of the incident and the possibility of the injured man having broken a bone.
The Pacific Dawn team was only too happy to assist fellow seafarers, particularly these selfless people who represent a worthy cause that helps others.
Two seafarers from the Chimere came on board Pacific Dawn to meet our onboard medical team. With the medical technology available, our Senior Doctor, Colin Cameron, confirmed the injured man had suffered a hand fracture and applied plaster to immobilise the break.
The seafarers from the Chimere were shown around our superliner before being tendered back to the shores of Mystery Island to rejoin their own yacht.
To learn more about the work of MSN visit www.msm.org.au
Alyn Baker Hotel Director
