At 11h38 on Sunday, 10 November, the 22 Squadron SAAF (SA Air Force) Oryx helicopter was swiftly mobilized for a critical medical evacuation mission. The urgency of the situation arose from a German tourist who encountered a sudden medical emergency while aboard a cruise liner positioned off the coast of Cape Agulhas.

The coordination and rapid response of the SAAF personnel ensured that the necessary preparations were made promptly to facilitate the safe and efficient evacuation of the individual in need. The helicopter's crew exemplified the dedication and professionalism required in such high-stakes operations. The mission underscored the vital role that the SAAF play in safeguarding lives and providing timely assistance to those in distress, especially in remote or challenging environments such as offshore locations.

The SAAF Oryx, along with three NSRI ASR (Airborne Sea Rescue) rescue swimmers and a WC Government Health EMS rescue paramedic, met with the ship 20 nautical miles off the coast of Cape Agulhas. On arrival at the vessel, an NSRI ASR rescue swimmer and the EMS rescue paramedic were hoisted onto the vessel.

The ship's medical team safely secured the patient before transferring them onto a stretcher. Subsequently, the patient, who was in critical condition, was lifted into the helicopter along with the two rescue crew members. The patient was transported by air to Ysterplaat Air Force Base, where ER24 ambulance services, Life Healthcare response paramedics, and Taurus Medical were awaiting the patient's arrival. The patient, age 72, was transported to hospital by ER24 ambulance in a serious but stable condition.

NSRI EOC (Emergency Operations Centre), SAAF (SA Air Force) Command, SAAF Ysterplaat Air Force Base controllers, NSRI ASR (Airborne Sea Rescue) duty controllers, NSRI Agulhas duty controllers, WC Government Health EMS Metro Control and an EMS duty doctor, Telkom Maritime Radio Services, Police Sea Borderline Control, TNPA (Transnet National Ports Authority) Port of Table Bay Port Control and the shipping agent, assisted MRCC (Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre) in the logistics and coordination of the SAAF helicopter medical evacuation operation.