Five Tongan nationals were rushed to hospital after suffering suspected carbon monoxide poisoning while trapped in the bottom hull of a vessel at Walu Bay.
The National Fire Authority (NFA) said Emergency Ambulance Service first responders and operational crews mounted a joint rescue operation after the men were exposed to the toxic gas in the confined space.
A height rescue operation was carried out to safely extract the crew members from the vessel before they were transported for medical treatment.
Carbon monoxide is a colourless and odourless gas that can be deadly when inhaled in large amounts, particularly in enclosed spaces with poor ventilation.
The NFA confirmed all five men survived the incident, suffered no injuries, recovered after receiving medical attention and have since returned to work.
The authority said the successful outcome reflected the importance of rapid emergency response, preparedness and teamwork in life-threatening situations.
