After receiving a request for a medical evacuation of the fisherman, who was receiving temporary care aboard Dai Hung 1, the Southern Helicopter Company, under the Vietnam Helicopter Corporation (Corps 18), immediately issued a mission directive. The unit swiftly planned the flight route and coordinated closely with relevant forces. Preparations included technical support, logistics, communications, and weather monitoring.
    |
 |
|
Forces take the patient to the helicopter. |
At 2:20 a.m., the Super Puma L2 helicopter, tail number VN-8616, took off from Vung Tau Airport with medical personnel from the Vietsovpetro Medical Center on board. By around 3:30 a.m., the helicopter had landed at the Dai Hung 1 oil rig. After receiving the patient, the medical team administered first aid during the return flight, landing at 5:00 a.m. The patient is now receiving intensive care at the Vietsovpetro Medical Center, with his condition temporarily stabilized.
The patient, Bui Van Hieu, born in 2003 and a resident of Thanh Mien District, Hai Duong Province, is a fisherman aboard vessel BT-93986TS. He had sustained multiple injuries following a fall and was initially treated on-site at the oil rig.
Despite flying in darkness and complex weather conditions with limited visibility, the flight crew skillfully piloted the helicopter to safely approach the rig.
A representative of the Southern Helicopter Company stated that they are always ready to receive and execute search and rescue missions under any circumstances with urgency, precision, and absolute safety. Every flight is not only a military task but also a humanitarian mission carried out by soldiers with deep commitment.
This timely and safe medical evacuation once again affirms the capability and professionalism of the Vietnam People’s Air Force in peacetime. It also underscores the crucial role of the Southern Helicopter Company in combining national defense duties with medical support to the Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelago and DK1 platforms, providing a vital lifeline for offshore fishermen and supporting forces protecting the country’s sacred maritime sovereignty.
Translated Minh Anh