Vietnam MRCC Launches Emergency Response for Fisherman Suffering Stroke in Paracel Islands Waters

At 20:40 on June 22, 2025, the Vietnam Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Center (Vietnam MRCC) deployed SAR 631 from Da Nang to assist a fisherman who was suffering from a suspected stroke while working in the waters of the Paracel Islands.

The distressed vessel, BĐ 96774 TS, had 12 crew members from Binh Dinh Province. They were engaged in offshore fishing approximately 400 nautical miles from Da Nang when one crew member suddenly lost function on the right side of his body, indicating a possible stroke. The vessel’s captain immediately contacted the mainland to request urgent medical evacuation. Upon receiving the distress call, Vietnam MRCC (under the Vietnam Maritime and Waterways Administration - Ministry of Construction), identified the affected crew member as Nguyen Luy, born in 1971 and residing in Tam Quan Nam Ward, Hoai Nhon Town, Binh Dinh Province. At the time of the incident, the weather conditions in the area included wind speeds of Force 4 to 5 and wave heights of 1 to 2 meters. Unfortunately, no nearby vessels were able to provide medical assistance.

Quick meeting at Central Command

The Vietnam Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC) used the Coastal Radio Station system to collaborate with the Da Nang 115 Emergency Center, initiating a remote medical consultation for the crew of fishing vessel BĐ 96774 TS. Medical professionals determined that a crew member was suffering from a severe stroke with a poor prognosis. They guided the onboard crew through initial first aid procedures to stabilize him. Meanwhile, duty officers advised the fishing vessel to stop its fishing operations and head directly toward the mainland.

Due to the patient's critical condition, the MRCC obtained approval from the National Civil Defense Steering Committee and the Vietnam Maritime and Waterways Administration to send SAR 631 on an intercept course to reach the distressed fishing vessel. The rescue ship departed from Da Nang at 20:40, carrying two doctors from Da Nang 115 Emergency Center, along with essential medical equipment and pharmaceuticals necessary for onboard emergency care.

 SAR 631 was deployed

Position of ship BD 96774 TS

At 10:57 on June 23, 2025, SAR 631 successfully approached the BĐ 96774 TS vessel at coordinates 17°25’N latitude and 111°55’E longitude (approximately 240 nautical miles from Da Nang). The rescue team and medical personnel boarded the patient for emergency treatment and safely transferred him to the emergency care unit onboard SAR 631 vessel for further stabilization. SAR 631 is currently en route to Da Nang at full speed and is expected to arrive at the MRCC pier at 01:00 on June 24, 2025, where the patient will be transferred to a shore-based medical facility for additional care.

The Centre will continue to provide updates regarding the ongoing rescue operation.