Spectacular rescue mission unfolds just offshore of Ballina

A spectacular rescue mission has unfolded just offshore of Ballina…

Flying 100 nautical miles off the coast… the Westpac Rescue Helicopter helping a seriously ill man from a cruise ship.

The passenger, aged in his 80s had only been aboard the ship bound for New Caledonia… for ONE DAY… before experiencing abdominal pains and requiring specialist treatment.

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority also assisting… providing an aircraft from Melbourne in yesterday’s mission.

The passenger is in a stable condition in hospital.