Hugh Hattingh and sr. Amelda Simpson. (Photo: Hero Burn Foundation)
Without medical clearance and with wounds hidden under his clothes, Hugo Hattingh undertook a 30-hour journey to return to his own country where he can receive the necessary care and counselling.
This experienced yacht captain from the Paarl, who was seriously injured in an explosion on a catamaran in Thailand eight months ago, is finally back on South African soil.
However, his return was not an ordinary journey, but a daring escape which is described by his father, Chris Hattingh (70), as nothing less than a miracle.
Maroela Media earlier reported that Hugo (40) suffered burns over 80% of his body after fuel tanks caught fire in an engine room of the catamaran in Thailand.
After months in a Thai high-care unit, where his life repeatedly hung in the balance, his family realized that they would have to come up with a plan to bring him home.
According to Chris, the situation in hospital Thailand became critical in January when the infections in Hugo’s arms and legs worsened. The medical team then decided to apply a very aggressive treatment.
“He had to be put under anesthesia every third day so that the doctors could clean his wounds and remove all the dead and infected tissue.
“The procedures were very painful for Hugo and he also lost a lot of blood in the process, so much so that he had to get blood transfusions afterwards. The pain levels worsened during physiotherapy or when he tried to walk after the procedures.”
Hugo Hattingh (40) in hospital in Thailand. (Photo: Provided)
But the emotional toll ended up being even greater than the physical toll the treatment exacted. According to Chris, during one of the particularly painful procedures, Hugo partially regained consciousness while still under anesthesia – an experience that left him severely traumatized.
“After 40 such procedures, it is understandable that Hugo began to get very emotional about the course of his recovery, the appalling levels of pain he had to go through every third day anew and the uncertainty about his future.
“By mid-February, he indicated that he no longer wanted to continue with the procedures.”
The family’s concern about Hugo’s state of mind, the lack of specialized counseling for burn victims in Thailand and the skyrocketing medical costs finally forced them to look for alternatives.
According to Chris, the hospital costs alone were astronomical, with the theater sessions averaging R70 000 each.
In a rare concession, the doctor allowed Hugo to spend a few days outside the hospital with his wife, Jaynee, and their two young sons, Aydin (10) and Luca, who were born eight months ago while Hugo was working overseas.
It was this short time of freedom that made the difference.
“Hugo and I talked long and thoroughly about everything. Finally, his wish was clear: Despite all the obstacles and risks, he wanted us to do everything in our power to bring him back to South Africa,” says Chris.
However, the challenges were legion: no medical clearance from the doctors, three airlines that refused to transport him due to the risk of thrombosis or spontaneous bleeding, and a massive outstanding hospital bill.
That secret 30 hour trip
With less than two days left before his next scheduled theater session, the family had to come up with a plan quickly. The plan also had to be carried out in strict secrecy to prevent the hospital or the airline from blocking his departure.
The plan had to be carried out in strict secrecy to prevent the hospital or the airline from blocking his departure. (Photo: Provided)
“We made him wear clothes that completely covered the bandages on his arms and legs. In addition, we had to pretend that he had already been discharged from the hospital months before,” says Chris.
“Everything had to happen quietly – we couldn’t run the risk that the medical team would intervene or that the airline would declare him unfit to fly. We were also worried about his pain medication at the airports and whether his body would be able to handle the physical toll of such a long journey.”
Only five people knew about the plan. Chris admits that he prayed all the time.
“I prayed for forgiveness for covering up the facts to overcome the obstacles. I am also now entering into discussions with the hospital and medical team about the whole matter and pray that everyone will understand why we decided on the drastic action.
“I realize that this may have serious consequences and will accept the responsibility for it.”
Miraculous timing
The journey from Thailand to Cape Town took about 30 hours – 30 hours of excruciating pain and almost unbearable tension.
However, the risks were not only medical in nature. Just hours after Hugo traveled through Doha in the Middle East, the airport was closed as conflict flared up in the region and air traffic was disrupted.
“Miraculously, everything finally worked out, and Hugo kept fighting through the inhuman pain until he arrived safely in Cape Town on Friday evening. It was only grace from above. God’s hands were on him all the time,” says Chris.
“If he had to get stuck at the airport in Doha, it would have led to serious and even life-threatening consequences. Every moment of the journey was a battle against time, pain and uncertainty. It was really a miracle that he was able to survive it and can now be safely with his family.”
Pad na hersler in SA
Since his arrival, Hugo has been assisted by South African specialists and the Hero Burn Foundation. His burns are now considered chronic, and there will be a hearing on Monday about his continued treatment.
The Hero Burn Foundation said everything possible would now be done to get Hattingh’s wounds to heal. (Photo: Hero Burn Foundation/Facebook)
“There are likely to be further operations on his hands, and intensive physiotherapy will be part of his path,” says Chris.
“But he is now safely back with us. He can now begin to recover in the presence of his family. That means more to us than anything else.”
Despite the trauma, the yacht captain remains focused on his passion for the blue pond. Chris tells that his son has an exceptional love for the sea.
“Hugo is determined to go to sea again – that’s where his heart lies,” says Chris.
“He has always had a special connection with the sea and marine life. Seals and especially dolphins often come close to him when he is on a boat, as if they recognize him among all the people. This is something special that we have experienced many times ourselves.”
For now, however, the focus is unwaveringly on his recovery – physically and mentally – here on home soil. He can now spend time with all his loved ones again, because being with his family is now the most important part of his path forward.