Soldier slightly injured during rescue simulation in harbour

A soldier was slightly injured during a rescue simulation yesterday when a sudden gust of wind appeared to pull a military helicopter and a rescue launch apart as he was being winched up to the aircraft.

The incident took place just after midday during an Armed Forces of Malta open day, when Bombardier Ivan Gauci and Gunner Philip Galea were playing the parts of rescuer and patient, the latter strapped to a stretcher.

As they were being hoisted up to the Alouette-III helicopter from a search and rescue vessel, a gust of wind seemed to push the helicopter to one side as it hovered only metres above the surface while its down thrust forced the boat in the opposite direction.

The two soldiers, who had already fastened themselves to the helicopter’s winch, slammed into the boat’s railing and were thrown into the sea.

The AFM said the manoeuvre obliged the pair to be ditched by the helicopter in the waters of Grand Harbour below.

Two of their colleagues immediately jumped into the sea to offer assistance and were joined by a dinghy that had been standing by in the vicinity.

The two were taken to Mater Dei Hopsital by an AFM ambulance with Air Wing rescuer Gauci suffering slight bruising and mild shock.

The AFM said it will now determine the factors that led to the pair being ditched.

The activities carried on as soon as the situation was under control with an aerobatic display by another military helicopter and three planes.

Doors opened earlier than ex­pected as hundreds visited what turned out to be a successful AFM open day.

In fact, for the first time, the open day took place along the picturesque Valletta Waterfront, where patrol boats could berth and were made accessible to the public.

The event attracted scores of military enthusiasts, who patiently queued for a chance to board the boats and satisfy their curiosity about what it would be like to take control of the bridge or the guns.

The most popular vessel was probably the one carrying a range of firepower: the public experienced the thrill of wielding a rocket propelled grenade launcher, machine gun, assault rifle or pistol. Some preferred something a little heavier and climbed onto one of the anti-aircraft guns.

The air defence section then took centre stage with a drill, followed by a physical training and unarmed combat display.

The day came to an end with a flag lowering ceremony and a parade by the army band.

For a video of the accident and an interview with an army officer visit www.timesofmalta.com.

kbugeja@timesofmalta.com