PCG: An ailing Filipino crew of a Singaporean-flagged vessel, M/V IVS Swindley Forest was successfully evacuated by the personnel of Coast Guard Station Currimao at vicinity waters of Laoag Cathedral Parish Office, Laoag City last November 08.

At around 11:14 AM, the Coast Guard Action Center received a call from 3/M Rowenito Serafia, a crew of M/V IVS Swindley Forest requesting for a medical evacuation of AB Niño Jess Monto whose left hand was hit by a hydro blast nozzle.

Immediately, the Coast Guard District Northwestern Luzon directed CGS Currimao to coordinate with the ship’s agent, Mr. Roperto Daganta to establish a rendezvous position and with the Office of the Municipality of Currimao for the availability of one (1) ambulance and medical team. Subsequently, CGS Currimao launched its Aluminum Boat-163 (AB-163) and prepositioned at Currimao Pier while continuously monitoring the subject vessel.

At around 03:15 PM, M/V IVS Swindley Forest arrived at the rendezvous position and the ailing crew was immediately transferred to AB-163 enroute to the shoreline of Brgy. Victoria, Currimao, Ilocos Norte. The injured crew was subsequently ferried to Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital, Batac, Ilocos Norte for proper medication.