At 9:20a.m. on October 30, the center received an emergency alert from DEMETER LEADER, which was sailing from Japan to Singapore through the waters off southern Viet Nam. A crew member suddenly developed persistent pain in the left side of his chest, accompanied by shortness of breath and a headache.

leftcenterrightdel
Vietnamese rescue workers bring a foreign crew member with suspected heart attack ashore for emergency medical treatment, Ho Chi Minh City, October 31, 2026.

According to an assessment by medical advisory service International SOS, the sailor was suspected of having acute coronary syndrome (ACS), with a risk of myocardial infarction, and urgently needed to be taken to a medical facility for emergency care and treatment. His condition deteriorated at one point, requiring oxygen support.

The ship’s captain requested assistance in bringing him ashore for emergency treatment.

Immediately after receiving the alert, the center swiftly activated its rescue plan, arranged medical consultations and instructed the vessel on initial first-aid measures for the sick crew member.

Under the direction of the Viet Nam Maritime and Waterway Administration, the center dispatched the SAR 272 search and rescue vessel, stationed in Phuoc Thang ward of Ho Chi Minh City, together with two doctors to the scene.

At 3:21am on October 31, SAR 272 brought the crew member to the center’s pier in Phuoc Thang ward, from where he was transferred to hospital for emergency treatment.

Source: VNA