Hugo Hattingh is back in South Africa. (Photo: Provided)
Hugo Hattingh (40), a yacht captain from the Paarl, is back in South Africa eight months after an explosion on board a yacht along the east coast of Thailand almost claimed his life.
According to the Hero Burn Foundation, after a stressful 30-hour journey, Hattingh is finally back home and this happened just in time before airspace was closed due to the attacks in the Middle East.
“We have experienced the power of prayer time and time again on this journey. There were many moments where it felt like we had reached a dead end… and then suddenly a door would open. We know this is no accident,” Hattingh’s family said in a message.
The Hero Burn Foundation said everything possible would now be done to get Hattingh’s wounds to heal.
Maroela Media previously reported that Hattingh, an experienced international sailor, was critically injured in July last year after an explosion in the engine room of the motor yacht. The explosion followed fuel being dumped into the engine room earlier. The remaining walms caught fire in what is described as an extremely rare but extremely dangerous incident in maritime operations.
Hattingh suffered burns over 80% of his body and his life hung by a thread. He suffered tremendous internal trauma and was rushed to the nearest hospital in a critical condition. Here they did not have the necessary medical equipment or expertise to help Hattingh and he was transferred to a hospital with an intensive care unit and life support equipment.
The Hero Burn Foundation said everything possible would now be done to get Hattingh’s wounds to heal. (Photo: Hero Burn Foundation/Facebook)
Although medical specialists initially placed his chance of survival at less than 10%, Hattingh survived organ failure, two cardiac arrests and long periods in an unstable condition.
Hattingh has undergone more than 37 operations. This included several procedures to control infections and numerous blood transfusions. He also fought a rare fungal infection that at one stage could even lead to permanent blindness.
Hattingh’s family said earlier that he is a devoted father of two young sons, Aydin (10) and Luca, who were born just seven months ago while Hattingh was working overseas.