Fire fighters rescue man trapped on ship (From Thurrock Gazette)

Fire fighters rescue man trapped on ship

3:45pm Friday 12th June 2009 in News

FIRE crews were called to Purfleet this afternoon to rescue a man trapped on a container ship.

The service arrived at Purfleet Deep Wharf at 12.22 to free a 21-year-old man from South Ockendon who was trapped inside a transit van on board the ship.

The man, who works on the ship transporting new vehicles between Purfleet and Zebrugge, was moving a left hand drive Renault van up onto a loading ramp when he overshot the railings.

Essex Fire and Rescue Assistant Divisional Officer Jim Jones said: “The vehicle was left hanging over the ramp with the man trapped by his injuries. We worked with paramedics, cutting away the handrail and part of the van so that they could get him out safely on a spine board."

Using specialist cutting equipment fire fighters managed to release the man and get him safely back on dry land and in the care of the Ambulance Service by 1.15pm.

Student ambulance paramedic Colin Putley said: "The man suffered a suspected neck injury, so because of the very precarious position of the car it was potentially dangerous to get him off normally.

"We alerted the fire service who were able cut the door off the car, and give us better access to get the patient out more safely.

"Once immoblised, we took him into Darenth Valley Hospital for further care."