A 41-year-old fisherman was flown to Nelson Hospital today with acute appendicitis after falling ill on a boat near the top of the South Island.
The Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand was alerted to the man, a Ukrainian national, about 11.30am after a doctor on board the FV Irvinga decided he needed urgent medical care.
The Nelson Marlborough rescue helicopter was sent to the vessel, which was 46km north of Farewell Spit at the time.
Search and Rescue Mission Coordinator Mike Roberts said the man's condition could have deteriorated into life-threatening had weather conditions delayed the rescue.
"Fortunately sea conditions were favourable making the operation to winch the patient aboard the helicopter relatively straightforward," Mr Roberts said.
