A British mariner is lucky to be alive after he was rescued by US Air Force after suffering a heart attack on the Kenyan Coast.
A report by Army Times indicated that the rescuers, the Warfighter Recovery Network, received a distressed call on behalf of the soldier, Kevin Nixon, who was in a US cargo ship Liberty Grace on Saturday, November 14.
Nixon was experiencing a heart attack when the call was made to the Network.
The team of five was then dispatched to the ship where they spotted the mariner who was exhibiting heart attack signs and stabilized him.
The ship was 500 nautical miles east of Kenya in the Indian Ocean.
Speaking after the rescue, Major-General Gregory Anderson, the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) director of operations, noted that the operation was unique since it involved a rare situation.
The US Air Force is often tasked with finding and treating isolated and injured personnel across vast distances.
“The tyranny of distance in Africa cannot be overstated, especially during life-threatening MEDEVAC situations.
“While the primary mission of Warfighter Recover Network is to rescue our military personnel during operations in Africa, its robustness allows for unique missions like this," stated Anderson.
Nixon was then flown to a medical center in Nairobi for specialised treatment after the ship maneuvered towards Manda Bay Airfield overnight.
"This mission is exactly why we always train. It demonstrated how the Warfighter Recovery Network can come together and save a life in the most remote places, when needed most."
“The patient is doing well and I am so proud of my team for their part," stated Air Force Master Sgt. Trevor Clark.
