On Sunday 7 October EU Naval Force (EU NAVFOR) flagship, ITS San Giusto provided much needed medical assistance to a crew member of Bahamas flagged merchant vessel MV Anna Victoria.
The sailor from MV Anna Victoria had broken both his legs following an accident at sea and the EU flagship, who was conducting counter-piracy patrols nearby, was able to respond quickly by sending her helicopter, with a medical team onboard.
The medical team provided immediate first aid and pain relief, before the sailor was flown to Salalah in Oman, where he is now receiving further treatment in hospital.
This is not the first time that an EU NAVFOR warship has provided medical assistance to an injured merchant seaman off the Horn of Africa. Speaking about the help given to MV Anna Victoria’s crew, EU NAVFOR Force Commander, Rear Admiral Enrico Credendino “We are all mariners at sea and safety of life is our number one priority. I am happy that EU NAVFOR was once again able to help a sailor in distress and I am pleased with the actions of San Giusto’s crew.”
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, October 11, 2012; Image: EUNAVFOR