Man amputates fingers while working on fishing vessel

By Cindy Witten
17 February 2009

While working in the nets over the side of the fishing vessel, Emerald Isle, a crew member severed two fingers on his right hand when his hand got caught in the winch.

Konrad van Tonder, of St Helena Bay, completely amputated his index finger, while his middle finger was partially amputated. The NSRI were alerted, launched a rescue craft near Cape Point and were able to safely escort van Tonder to Constantiaberg Medi-Clinic where he will receive plastic surgery.

“We had advised the crew onboard the fishing vessel how to pack the severed fingers, because they managed to recover them. When we got there, they (the fingers) were already in an ice water bath,” said NSRI Hout Bay station commander, Brad Geyser.

Geyser said that based on the medic’s evaluation, there is a good chance that the surgeon may be able to re-attach the fingers.

“At this point we are not sure of the outcome,” said Geyser.