Media Releases
Japanese tourist thanks Fantasea rescuers
25th June 2007
A Japanese tourist who became ill while snorkelling on Hardy Reef earlier this year has thanked her rescuers with a $2000 cheque.
Fantasea Cruising operations manager Kate Thornton said visitor Masako Doi panicked after she accidentally sucked some water down her snorkel and became distressed. She was attended by lifesavers at the Reefworld adventure platform on February 2. As a precaution she was flown to Mackay Base Hospital by RACQ CQ Rescue and was accompanied by Fantasea's Japanese interpreter.
Ms Thornton said Mrs Doi had made a full recovery and had since returned home to Japan.
"There were no interpreters at the hospital and Mr and Mrs Doi could not speak any English," Ms Thornton said. "We wanted to make sure she had everything she needed and understood explanations about her treatment. We also liaised with Mrs Doi's travel insurance company before driving her and her husband to Shute Harbour and putting them on the ferry to Hamilton Island, where they continued their holiday."
The strength of Ms Doi's gratitude became clear when she sent Fantasea Cruising staff a cheque for $2000 earlier this month.
Ms Thornton said those involved in Mrs Doi's rescue would donate some of the money to RACQ CQ Rescue and the Mackay Base Hospital's intensive care unit.