Earlier at 3:00 PM on June 9, fishing vessel QNg 98064 TS, captained by Nguyen Dinh Nghi, was operating in the waters of Vietnam’s Hoang Sa (Paracel) when Nguyen Tien Sy, 31, suffered severe pain around the abdomen. The intensity of the pain increased continuously, leaving him unable to eat and frequently vomiting. Other crewmembers aboard took care of him but his condition failed to improve.

The patient is sent back to Da Nang for treatment. (Photo: VNA).

By 11:17 AM on June 11, his health continued to worsen and he became unconscious. The fishing vessel was too far from the mainland, approximately 30 nautical miles northwest of Tri Ton Island. Aware of the urgent situation, Captain Nghi contacted the centre, requesting urgent rescue.

Upon receiving the distress signal from the vessel, the centre provided the fastest route guidance for the vessel to return to the mainland. It also coordinated information with the Vietnam National Institute of Maritime Medicine and the municipal emergency centre to offer remote medical advice. Through the consultation process, the doctors diagnosed Sy with acute appendicitis in a critical stage that requires immediate medical intervention and rescue. Delaying treatment could potentially result in fatality.

At 8:33 pm on June 11, the maritime rescue force successfully approached the fishing vessel. The team of doctors and rescue personnel were immediately deployed to the vessel to provide on-site emergency medical treatment for the patient.

Following the emergency treatment at sea and intensive medical care on the mainland, the patient has successfully overcome the life-threatening situation. His condition now is stable.