An Aussie family has launched a desperate appeal to help repatriate a father-of-two after a freak accident in Papua New Guinea.
Adam Sharam, from Inverell in northern New South Wales, was two days into the fishing trip of a lifetime with his best mates on November 12 when the group were thrown overboard by a wayward wave which capsized their boat.
He was struck by the boat’s propeller blades which left him with extensive injuries, including a fractured skull and deep gashes to his head and legs.
His quick thinking mates managed to pull Mr Sharam from the water and helped stem the bleeding until emergency responders arrived.
He was rushed to Port Moresby Hospital, where he spent several days in ICU and has undergone multiple surgeries.
Now out of intensive care, Mr Sharam has a long road to recovery.
‘His injuries are horrific … but at least he’s still with us … he was very lucky,’ his mother Helen Travers told Seven News.
‘He’s been very lucky not to lose his leg … but we don’t know what the full extent of his knee damage is and what underlying issues there will be.’
Avid fisherman Adam Sharam remains in a Port Moresby hospital after a freak accident
The father-of-two suffered extensive injuries to his head and legs in the boating accident
The family are looking at a $78,000 bill to medivac Mr Sharam home and have set a GoFundMe.
‘Adam has just recently had a new baby boy Jake and along with his little girl Tilly, who has just turned 3 his wife Sarah are at home in Inverell missing him and looking forward to him coming home,’ Ms Travers wrote on the page.
‘Unfortunately like a lot of us do Adam didn’t take out travel insurance and now pays the price of a huge medical expense and is miles away from his family who are missing him dearly.’
The GoFundMe has already raised more than $25,500 within hours on Thursday.
The father-of-two was slashed by the boat’s propeller blades after a wave knocked him and his mates overboard
‘He absolutely loves his fishing, he goes out after a hard day at work,’ his mother added.
‘He always teaches other people and shares his knowledge with them.’
‘Adam is always the first person to help someone in need, and now he needs your help
‘We would like to be able to get Adam back to Australia for treatment, but to Medivac Adam home with a critical care doctor and nurse, we are looking at $78,000.’
