The Westpac Rescue Helicopter has carried out an extremely challenging mercy mission off Minnie Water, near Grafton.
An 82-year-old man suffered a heart attack on the Airlie Beach-bound Dawn Princess cruise ship last night.
At first light, the helicopter was deployed to fly him to Coffs Harbour Base Hospital.
It successfully winched him on board in 70-kilometre an hour winds.
He’s now in a serious condition in hospital.
