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 friends on November 12 when the group was thrown overboard by a wayward wave that capsized their boat.
He was struck by the boat’s propeller blades, causing serious injuries, including a skull fracture and deep wounds to his head and legs.
His quick-thinking friends managed to pull Mr Sharam from the water and helped stop the bleeding until emergency services arrived.
He was rushed to Port Moresby Hospital, where he spent several days in intensive care and underwent multiple surgeries.
Now out of intensive care, Mr Sharam has had a long road to recovery.
“His injuries are horrific… but at least he’s still with us… he’s very lucky,” his mother Helen Travers said Seven news.
“He’s very lucky not to have lost his leg… but we don’t know the full extent of his knee damage and what underlying problems there will be.”
Avid fisherman Adam Sharam is in hospital in Port Moresby after a freak accident
The father-of-two suffered serious injuries to his head and legs in the boating accident
The family is looking at a $78,000 bill to save Mr. Sharam’s home and has set up a GoFundMe.
“Adam has recently had a baby boy Jake and with his little girl Tilly, who has just turned three, his wife Sarah is at home in Inverell, missing him and looking forward to his return,” Mrs Travers wrote on the page.
‘Unfortunately, like many of us, Adam did not take out travel insurance and is now paying the price of huge medical bills and is miles away from his family who miss him dearly.’
The GoFundMe has already raised more than $25,500 in just a few hours on Thursday.
The father-of-two was struck by the boat’s propeller blades after a wave knocked him and his mates overboard
“He absolutely loves fishing, he goes out after a hard day’s work,” his mother added.
“He’s always teaching other people and sharing his knowledge with them.”
“Adam is always the first to help someone in need, and now he needs your help
“We would like to get Adam back to Australia for treatment, but for Medivac Adam at home with an intensive care doctor and nurse, we are looking at $78,000.”