RAC Rescue helicopter winches sick sailor to safety off coast of Augusta

Dramatic vision has emerged of the moment a sick sailor was winched from a carrier ship sitting off Augusta in WA’s South West.

The male patient, who was complaining of chest pains, was aboard a bulk carrier in choppy waters on Friday, August 7.

Australian Maritime Safety Authority staff put the call out to the RAC Rescue helicopter for help.

A critical care paramedic was winched down to the carrier with a stretcher before the patient, wearing a medical mask, was hoisted to the chopper.

The man was taken to Fiona Stanley Hospital for treatment.

A Department of Fire and Emergency Services spokesperson said the patient recovered and was discharged from hospital yesterday.