The South African Air Force (SAAF) once again demonstrated its critical maritime search and rescue capability when 15 Squadron Charlie Flight executed a demanding medical evacuation mission off the Eastern Cape coastline in early January 2026.
On Wednesday, 7 January 2026, the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre requested urgent assistance for a medical emergency aboard the Sea Harmony bulk carrier. A 40-year-old male crew member had sustained serious injuries to his arm and chest and was reported to be in shock. At the time, the vessel was approximately 16 nautical miles east of Cape Recife off the coast of Gqeberha and still underway.
A BK117 helicopter from 15 Squadron Charlie Flight operating under the call sign Rescue 104 was tasked for the mission and departed Air Force Station Port Elizabeth at 18:16. The aircrew consisted of Major Corrie Oberholzer (pilot) and Flight Sergeant Letladi Mahlakwana (flight engineer) supported by two South African Police Service search and rescue divers and a qualified paramedic.
The helicopter arrived on scene at 18:30 and commenced hoisting operations under challenging maritime conditions with the vessel moving at approximately 10 knots. Despite the complexities associated with night operations and a dynamic deck environment the crew successfully inserted the rescue team onto the ship. The paramedic stabilised the casualty in the vessel’s medical facility after which the patient was secured to a stretcher for extraction.
At 19:25 the casualty and rescue personnel were safely hoisted from the vessel and transported by air to St George’s Hospital in Gqeberha where the patient was handed over to awaiting medical staff for further treatment. The helicopter returned to Air Force Station Port Elizabeth at 20:05. The mission lasted 1.8 flying hours and included seven successful hoist evolutions.
This operation underscores the high state of readiness professionalism and inter-agency cooperation maintained by 15 Squadron Charlie Flight. It also reaffirms the South African Air Force’s enduring commitment to safeguarding life at sea and providing rapid life-saving assistance whenever and wherever it is required.
