Evacuation by helicopter, ride to Darwin, Australia, March 8, 2023

Today we had action on deck despite the heavily cloudy sky. Unfortunately, a passenger had to be evacuated by helicopter once again. After the two previous evacuations took place at night, this time it happened during the day.

As usual, the ship approached the land. An airplane checked the situation and circled around the ship during the helicopter operation.

Although there was some swell, the ship was still relatively calm, making the evacuation not particularly difficult. It was done using the winch, as usual, from the stern. Because the helicopter had to have its nose facing directly into the wind, it operated in the ship's exhaust stream, which was certainly not pleasant. While the patient was being prepared by the doctor, the helicopter also flew around the ship. First, the patient was taken on board lying down with the doctor, and then the second flight attendant, who had previously been lowered down.

Finally, after the successful operation, the helicopter and the airplane took off again.