While conducting counter-piracy patrols north of the Seychelles, ESPS Galicia provided urgent medical assistance to an injured seafarer, who had suffered serious injuries to his hand on Sunday, September 6.
After receiving a distress call from the fishing vessel’s owners, ESPS Galicia sailed towards its location and as soon as it was in range, the Spanish Navy warship’s helicopter was launched.
A member of the helicopter’s crew was lowered down to the fishing vessel to help air lift the seafarer to ESPS Galicia.
Once on board, the warship’s surgical team, led by Major Rafael Tamburri Bariain, provided specialist medical treatment to the seafarer’s hand and the seafarer is now expected to make a full recovery.
Following the operation, the seafarer was transported by the ship’s helicopter to a hospital in the Seychelles.
Since the start of Operation Atalanta in December 2008 many EU Naval Force warships have assisted seafarers in distress in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean.
Image: EU Navfor