Vessel SAR 273 approaches the RAMHAN. VNA/VNS Photo

NHA TRANG — A foreign seafarer who fell critically ill aboard a cargo vessel operating off southern Việt Nam has been rescued and taken to hospital in Nha Trang, the Maritime Search and Rescue Co-ordination Centre announced on October 11.

The stricken crew member, Panjanathan Elanchezhiyan, born in 1993, an Indian national serving as third engineer aboard the cargo vessel RAMHAN – registered under the Marshall Islands flag, IMO number 9668960 – developed symptoms including fever and chills, dizziness, severely elevated blood pressure, and loss of control over his behaviour, leaving him in a very weak condition. The vessel's captain issued a distress signal requesting urgent medical assistance.

Upon receiving the distress notification, the Maritime Search and Rescue Co-ordination Centre activated a rescue plan while arranging medical consultation and guiding the crew in administering initial emergency care to the seafarer.

The patient's condition continued to worsen, necessitating his rapid evacuation for specialist treatment. Under the direction of the Maritime and Inland Waterways Administration, the centre dispatched dedicated rescue vessel SAR 273, on standby in Nha Trang, at 8.48am on October 11.

Throughout the operation, rescue forces maintained co-ordination with the RAMHAN and relevant agencies, swiftly carrying out the necessary measures to ensure the patient's safety and reduce the time required to bring him ashore.

SAR 273 reached the RAMHAN at 9.30am and provided initial medical care to the seafarer. Once all necessary steps had been completed, the rescue team transferred the patient from the cargo vessel and set course for shore.

At 10.54am on October 11, SAR 273 brought the patient to the centre's quay in Nha Trang, Khánh Hoà Province, where he was handed over to representatives of the vessel's owner and local authorities. Panjanathan Elanchezhiyan was subsequently taken to the hospital for further examination and treatment. — VNS