Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) thru its Naval Task Force 61 (NTF61) and Naval Task Group Tawi-Tawi (NTG-TT) immediately dispatched its Multi-Purpose Attack Craft (MPAC BA488) to conduct rescue and assistance operation as a response to a medical distress call sent by M/V Ivestos to LMS Bongao last 13 March 2021.
The patient was identified as Baltazar Cruz, 62 years old, Filipino, and is the Boat Captain of M/V Ivestos. Cruz became unconscious for an unknown reason. According to NFWM Public Affairs Officer Lt. Chester Ross Cabaltera PN, the 3rd Boat Attack Division attached to NTG-TT received information from Littoral Monitoring Station Bongao (LMS Bongao) reporting that the above-mentioned vessel was in medical distress while sailing around the vicinity of Sibutu Island, Tawi-Tawi.
Upon relaying the information to the Commander, NTF61, and with lateral coordination with NTG-TT for a medical team, MPAC BA488 was immediately dispatched to respond to the distressed vessel. The medical team headed by Major Aristoteles G Ilarde II MC, performed CPR to revive the unconscious victim.
Despite the best efforts of the crew and medical team, the patient remained unresponsive and was later pronounced dead by the attending physician.”The cause of death is yet to be determined. In adherence to medical protocol, the medical responders will undergo quarantine while the cadaver shall be attended to and disposed of by their company in accordance with proper procedures” said Brig. Gen. Rojas, Commander of the Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi.
MV Ivestos is a Liberia Flagged Bulk Carrier with 23 different national crew. The ship is bound for Masinloc, Zambales with Coal Cargoes on board.
More Information Here: NAVY RESPONDS TO A MEDICAL DISTRESS FROM A FOREIGN VESSEL
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