The sailor is brought to shore by the Vietnamese maritime rescue team. – Photo vov.vn

BÀ RỊA-VŨNG TÀU – A Filipino sailor is being treated in hospital after a work-related accident at sea.

Laride Jerry Abapo was injured while on board the Nea Elpis bulk carrier travelling from China to Singapore.

He suffered bleeding to his ears and nose as well as swelling to his head and right eye.  

The Vietnam Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Centre received a call for urgent medical assistance at about 1.40pm on Tuesday.

The cargo ship was located about 245 nautical miles from the cape of Vũng Tàu heading in an east-north-eastern direction.

Upon receiving the information, the centre asked Hồ Chí Minh Coastal Information Radio to contact the ship, provide initial medical advice for the crew in distress, and request the ship to urgently divert to Vũng Tàu.

In the face of a situation potentially endangering the sailor’s life, a search and rescue ship with doctors and nurses on board was mobilised for an emergency rescue.

The rescue team reached the vessel at about 3.45am on Wednesday, provided first aid to the victim and brought the sailor to Vũng Tàu Hospital for treatment. – VNS