ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Philippine Coast Guard evacuated and provided medical assistance to a foreign sailor who was injured aboard a cargo ship while traversing the Basilan Strait on Tuesday, March 18.
A COAST Guard personnel treats an injured foreign sailor in Zamboanga City.
Commodore Marco Antonio Gines, Coast Guard District South Western Mindanao chief, said the Chinese sailor, whose identity was withheld, accidentally sustained a laceration while onboard the M/V Voy Trust, a vessel with Hong Kong registry.
Gines said they immediately responded after they were alerted by the National Maritime Center which received the vessel's request for medical evacuation as it transited near Zamboanga City.
The CGDSWM deployed BRP Capones (MRRV-4404), a multi-role response vessel, and evacuated the injured seaman.
Coast Guard personnel attended to the injured crew upon arrival in a private wharf and transferred him to a private hospital here where he received further treatment. He was turned over to the vessel’s local agent for assistance.
The PCG said they are always ready to help.
"Through its unwavering commitment to maritime safety and humanitarian service, the Philippine Coast Guard proved that no call for help goes unanswered," Gines said.