In November 1978 HMNZS WAIKATO was at sea south of Stewart Island, when an urgent request for a medical evacuation of a seriously injured seaman was received from a Russian fishing vessel.  The weather conditions were extreme and it took some time to locate the vessel.  When the two vessels finally met, the seaman was lifted off by helicopter in the midst of a gale.  Later the pilot and the two crew of the helicopter were decorated for gallantry.