Two crew of Greek bulk carrier crew died from malaria

Bulk carrier AGIOS FANOURIOS requested immediate medical assistance to two crew in critical condition in the afternoon Sep 20 92 nm east of East London, South Africa. MRCC and NSRI coordinated rescued operation, which requested helicopter deployment. Helicopter with paramedics flew from Durban and reached bulk carrier some 13 nautical miles offshore of Port St Johns on the Transkei Wild Coast, said Clifford Ireland, NSRI Durban station commander. Both ill crew, suffering from malaria, were airlifted and transported to hospital, one of them died in helicopter, another one died later in hospital. Bulk carrier is en route from Abijan Ivory Coast to Durban South Africa.