Coalition Ship Conducts MEDEVAC, Aids Fishing Vessel

10.20.2006

Story by Petty Officer 1st Class Kathryn Whittenberger 

U.S. Naval Forces Central Command / U.S. 5th Fleet           

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Kathryn Whittenberger
U.S. Naval Forces, 5th Fleet PAO

FGS SCHLESWIG-HOLSTEIN (F-216), at sea – FGS Schleswig-Holstein (F-216), a German Navy frigate, performed a medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) of a merchant fisherman while conducting Maritime Security Operations as part of Commander, Task Force (CTF) 150 in the Gulf of Aden Oct. 18.

After receiving a call for assistance, the frigate steamed 540 nautical miles in 17 hours to rescue the 40-year-old fisherman who had suffered a severe fracture to his lower right leg aboard the Spanish fishing vessel Playa de Bakia. Schleswig-Holstein had sent a doctor via the ship's helicopter to the fishing vessel to help assess and evacuate the patient.

Surgery began immediately upon the injured crewmember's arrival aboard Schleswig-Holstein, and the ship will soon transport him to a hospital in the region.

CTF 150, led by German Navy Rear Adm. Heinrich Lange, coordinated the MEDEVAC and was assisted by the Madrid Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre.

Coalition forces conduct MSO under international maritime conventions to ensure security and safety in international waters so that all commercial shipping can operate freely while transiting the region.

"Swift coordination and immediate response were easily achievable due to the well established communications network within the task force and with the respective headquarters," said Lange. "The medical team of Schleswig-Holstein proved its sound professionalism for the sixth time already during this deployment."

• Date Taken: 10.20.2006
• Date Posted: 10.20.2006 12:55
• Story ID: 8099