A sick Ukranian fisherman was winched off a vessel in the Tasman Sea on Sunday and flown to Nelson hospital.
Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter said a paramedic was lowered down to treat the man at about 6.30pm, before they were both winched back up.
A spokesperson wouldn't reveal what the illness was, but said it can be fatal if left untreated.
The Russian vessel was fishing about 90km north of Nelson.
