Help save Hugo Hattingh’s life after flash explosion

PHUKET – Hugo, a sailor and skipper – who has crossed the oceans many a times – was injured while at work and is now fighting for his life in a hospital 300km south of Bangkok on Thailand’s East Coast.

Petrol was accidentally spilled in the small engine room of a catamaran he was working on. Although it was cleaned up, residual fumes remained. When Hugo entered the compartment to attend to the generator, the fumes ignited, causing a flash explosion that can reach temperatures of 1800 – 2200°C for a fraction of a second.

Hugo was wearing only nylon shorts at the time, and the intense heat scorched his clothing and hair. He sustained severe burns to approximately 80% of his body – his face being the least affected. The blast also caused internal injuries, including damage to his intestines, heart (which required manual stimulation at one point), kidneys, and lungs.

Currently his kidneys are not functioning properly. The next few weeks are critical. If his condition holds, he will face a minimum of three to even six weeks in ICU. Understandably, many are asking why Hugo is not covered by medical insurance. The truth is frustrating and deeply disheartening.

Hugo previously held medical aid in South Africa, but like most domestic plans, it only covers treatment within South Africa’s borders. When working abroad, he attempted to secure international health coverage, but this has proven incredibly difficult for someone in his line of work.

The vast majority of global insurers explicitly exclude coverage for incidents arising from professional activities involving yachts, considering them “high-risk.” Some offer coverage for one-time leisure cruises on yachts, but not for full-time crew or captains working in international waters on small craft. While Hugo does typically book flights with credit cards that include limited travel insurance, this too was denied – once again due to his full-time work on yachts. We are investigating if the insurance on the vessel itself will entertain a claim although limitations mentioned in the policy might exclude this specific incident.

We are still exploring every possible avenue, including appealing the insurance rejections – but the chances of success are slim. Right now, time is of the essence. We are turning to our wider community and the kindness of strangers for help.

• How will the funds be used:

The funds will be used to help us pay Hugo’s medical costs: hospital bills, dialysis if needed, medical transport and other travelling costs once needed, and more. It will also go towards rehabilitation, if he recovers. Hugo would also need on-going support as he might not regain the full use of his hands and therefore might face long-term complications from his injuries. While his ability to return to a sailing career might be limited.

• What will the impact of the campaign be:

The campaign is about much more than just financial support. This is about a community coming together to save a life. Your help and support will give Hugo a fighting chance on survival. So that he can meet Luka for the first time.

In the event that Hugo does not recover, all funds will go to his two young sons, and his family in Thailand and South Africa.

NOTE: Anyone in Thailand wishing to donate, please use the banking details below:

Bank Account Name: Hugo Hattingh
Bank: Bangkok Bank
Account Number 6187042806
Branch: Cherntalay
Bank Address: 189 Moo1, Thepkrasatri Rd, Bandon-Cherntalay, Phuket, Thailand 83110
Swift Code: BKKBTHBK
Account Type: Savings

BackaBuddy: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/help-save-hugo-hattinghs-life

SUPPORTERS PLEASE NOTE: If you are receiving an error when making a donation, please use PAYPAL for International transfers.

Alternatively, if you are using a VPN that hides your location, selecting South Africa as your location should solve the problem.