Helicopter rescue for ill crewman

Dramatic vision has emerged of the moment an ill sailor was winched from a ship sitting off the Augusta coast.

The male patient, who was complaining of chest pains, was aboard a bulk carrier in choppy waters last Friday.

Australian Maritime Safety Authority staff put the call out to the RAC Rescue helicopter for help.

A critical-care paramedic was winched down to the vessel with a stretcher before the patient, wearing a medical mask, was hoisted to the chopper.

The sailor was taken to Fiona Stanley Hospital for treatment.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services said the sailor recovered and was discharged from hospital earlier this week.