Rescue Helicopter airlifts injured Picton fisherman to hospital

The Wellington-based Westpac Rescue Helicopter was called to the
Marlborough sounds at approx 2.00pm today to airlift an injured
fisherman to hospital.

The helicopter, with a Wellington Free Ambulance (WFA) Helicopter
Paramedic on board, responded to Ship Cove in the Marlborough Sounds
where a charter fishing boat with the injured man onboard, had docked at
the wharf. The helicopter was able to land at a small park next to the
wharf.

The injured man, a 77 year old Picton resident, suffered a head injury
when fishing gear fell on him as the vessel pitched suddenly. It was
reported that he may have been knocked unconscious for a short period.

"On our arrival at the boat the man was conscious and alert" said
Westpac Rescue Helicopter crewman Colin Larsen. "After being assessed by
the paramedic he was able to walk, with assistance from our crew and his
friends, to the helicopter".

The man was then transported to Wairau Hospital for further assessment
and monitoring.