Treacherous weather conditions at sea have triggered a spate of rescue operations in which injured sailors have been rushed to Bermuda for treatment.

Three ships have been forced to divert towards the Island so far this year so injured crew could be taken to hospital — high compared with the same period last year when there were no medical evacuations.

These kind of rescues to help sick, stricken and critically injured seamen can take place in perilous conditions at any time of the day or night.

They are a vital lifeline to passing ships and also bring in tens of thousands of dollars in revenue for the Island on a yearly basis.

On Monday, an injured captain on board the bulk carrier Aargau was ferried to Ordnance Island on the pilot boat St David so he could be taken to hospital.

The Croatian skipper had suffered broken arms and legs, as well as injuries to his wrist and leg, after a fall on board the ship, which was bound for Ireland.

Yesterday morning, the Greek registered MT Authentic diverted to Bermuda so that a 45-year-old crewman could be treated at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital.

The Filipino national had suffered a broken wrist on the carrier, which was headed for Cameroon.

Joe Simas, Vice President of Meyer Agencies, told The Royal Gazette: “Meyer Agencies have had two medicos this year. During winter months when ships encounter extremely rough conditions, the occurrence of injuries increases.

“Medicos involve different parties working together to coordinate a successful medevac; Meyer Agencies, Bermuda Maritime Radio and the Bermuda branch pilots.

“The pilot cutter is on standby 24 hours a day to assist with these medevacs.

“The pilot, Meyer Agencies, and a local doctor can go out as far as five miles off St David’s to rendezvous with the vessel.

“This is sometimes done in very rough conditions and requires all the parties — agents, doctor, pilots and cutter crew — to make sure that the injured crew member is evacuated safely on-board the pilot cutter.

“A waiting ambulance will meet the pilot cutter once it arrives at Ordnance Island.“

Mr Simas added that “while the crew member is recuperating at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital (KEMH), Meyer Agencies give daily updates to the ship’s owners and to crew member’s family”.

“Meyer Agencies works in conjunction with KEMH staff and receive great service from KEMH social workers in providing updates and discharge dates,” he said.

When a professional seaman is brought into Bermuda for treatment the initial costs of the pilot boat, branch pilot and ambulance will run into several thousand dollars.

Then there will also be the cost of private services such as port agent’s fees and hotel accommodation once they are released from hospital.

Usually cruise ship passengers will be accompanied by someone who will stay at a local hotel or guest house. They will pay their own medical and accommodation costs and claim back under their personal insurance.

Anyone who is brought into Bermuda from a passing ship will also pay a departure tax to Government at the airport when they leave.

Medical costs, especially for serious or life-threatening injuries, can send the final bill spiralling as high as $20,000 to $30,000.

So far this year there have been three medical evacuations from passing ships.

Last year a total of 24 medicos were orchestrated by Bermuda Radio and local shipping agents.