Big bill for toothache

Press, 15 August 1988, Page 8

Big bill for toothache

PA Auckland A seven-day toothache is turning into a costly business for the insurers of a German container ship.

Two 'Auckland helicopters made a 210 km dash to lift a West German crewman off the Colombus Queensland sailing from Panama to Melbourne. A broken tooth led to the mercy flight — a crewman, Michael Maas, had been floating in and out of consciousness because of the pain. On his arrival at Mechanics Bay, Auckland, Mr Maas said there had been little relief from the pain in the last seven days. Painkillers had failed to do the job and two bottles of rum later, said Mr Maas,- the pain was still there:

Rather then wait until the ship berthed at Melbourne, the decision was made to fly Mr Maas to Auckland where he could receive medical attention.

The Westpac Rescue helicopter pilot, Mr Max Donnelly, said there had been few dramatics in the rescue.

“There was no heroic stuff. We were just in, and five minutes later, out again.”

The ship’s insurers will pick up the bill which will include two hours hire for two helicopters, amounting to about $6OOO, an air fare to Melbourne, where Mr Maas will join the ship, and a hotel bill while he is in Auckland.

No information was available early today about aMr Mass’ after landing.