'Nonstop Operation' at Sea... Mokpo Coast Guard's 'Vessel-Helicopter Link' Rescues Angler in His 70s

In the waters off Hongdo, Sinan-gun, South Jeolla Province, a man in his 70s collapsed from symptoms of hypertension while fishing. However, thanks to the Coast Guard's coordinated "vessel-helicopter linkage" emergency transport operation, he was safely transported to a hospital.

According to the Mokpo Coast Guard on April 25, at approximately 7:30 p.m. on April 24, the Coast Guard received a report from the Hongdo Health Center in Sinan that "a fishing tourist with hypertension is complaining of dizziness and numbness in his hands and feet."

The on-site medical staff immediately requested a helicopter transfer, but it was not possible due to construction at the Heuksando helipad. As a result, immediate air transport was effectively blocked.

The scene of the patrol boat 1508 picking up a patient at Hongdo.
[Photo by Mokpo Coast Guard]

원본보기 아이콘

Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, the Coast Guard quickly developed an alternative plan.

They dispatched the patrol vessel 1508, which was on duty nearby, to first transfer the patient onto the ship. Then, they arranged for a helicopter to land on the vessel and carry out a "relay operation" to transport the patient to the mainland. The 1508 is a large patrol vessel equipped with a helicopter deck.

After taking the patient aboard in the darkness, the 1508 provided emergency treatment on board to buy time. At the same time, a large helicopter (B-525) from the West Sea Regional Coast Guard Headquarters was urgently dispatched to the scene.

The helicopter arrived over the waters of Heuksan, and despite waves, wind, and limited visibility, succeeded in making a nighttime landing on the deck of the vessel.

The helicopter, after taking over the patient, headed directly to Mokpo and arrived at 9:40 p.m. the same day, handing the patient over to the 119 emergency team. The patient was then transferred to a major hospital in Mokpo for treatment.

A Mokpo Coast Guard official stated, "Despite the challenges of night operations, the vessel and helicopter worked organically together to ensure the safe transfer of the patient," adding, "We will continue to strengthen our rescue capabilities to respond immediately in any emergency situation."

© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.