EU NAVFOR’s quick response to an urgent medical request yesterday shows our continued support to maritime security and safety of life at sea around the Horn of Africa.
On the morning of 20th March 2018, Greek Merchant Vessel (MV) Ianthe (IMO9438779) requested medical assistance due to a serious hand injury sustained by a Filipino sailor. EU NAVFOR’s Spanish Warship ESPS Patiño was the closest vessel at sea and responded immediately, steaming towards MV Ianthe at high speed.
Patiño launched her Sea Hawk SH-60B helicopter when in range of MV Ianthe. The helicopter aircrew safely lifted the injured sailor from the deck and transferred him to the Patiño, where the medical team on board provided first aid. Patiño then diverted back to the Seychelles and transferred the patient to hospital by helicopter on 21st March 2018.
Patiño and her helicopter covered 500 Nautical Miles in total from receiving the distress call at 0946 Greenwich Mean Time on 20th March, to the transfer of the sailor to hospital in the Seychelles at 0520 on 21st March. This equates roughly to traveling the distance from London to Berlin in under 19 hours.
ESPS Patiño continues her primary role of counter-piracy patrolling and interdiction off the coast of Somalia as part of Operation Atalanta. EU NAVFOR is always ready to support maritime security in the region, and assist those who find themselves in peril at sea.
On the morning of 20th March 2018, Greek Merchant Vessel (MV) Ianthe (IMO9438779) requested medical assistance due to a serious hand injury sustained by a Filipino sailor. EU NAVFOR’s Spanish Warship ESPS Patiño was the closest vessel at sea and responded immediately, steaming towards MV Ianthe at high speed.
Patiño launched her Sea Hawk SH-60B helicopter when in range of MV Ianthe. The helicopter aircrew safely lifted the injured sailor from the deck and transferred him to the Patiño, where the medical team on board provided first aid. Patiño then diverted back to the Seychelles and transferred the patient to hospital by helicopter on 21st March 2018.
Patiño and her helicopter covered 500 Nautical Miles in total from receiving the distress call at 0946 Greenwich Mean Time on 20th March, to the transfer of the sailor to hospital in the Seychelles at 0520 on 21st March. This equates roughly to traveling the distance from London to Berlin in under 19 hours.
ESPS Patiño continues her primary role of counter-piracy patrolling and interdiction off the coast of Somalia as part of Operation Atalanta. EU NAVFOR is always ready to support maritime security in the region, and assist those who find themselves in peril at sea.