Suspected Urinary Stone... Transferred to Hongdo Health Center
Emergency Landing Approved with Cooperation from Consulate General and Immigration Office
Captain A of a Chinese fishing vessel receiving medical treatment at Hongdo Health Center. Photo by Mokpo Coast Guard
The Coast Guard carried out an emergency transfer of a patient from a Chinese fishing vessel in the West Sea, where a high seas warning was in effect.
The Mokpo Coast Guard announced on the 27th that on the previous day, December 26, they transported Captain A, a man in his 40s suspected of having a urinary stone, from a Chinese fishing vessel near Hongdo, Sinan County, South Jeolla Province, to the Hongdo Health Center.
At the time, a high seas warning was in effect for the southern part of the West Sea, with waves reaching 2 to 4 meters and maximum wind speeds of 15 meters per second. As a result, numerous Chinese fishing vessels were taking shelter off the coast of Hongdo.
During this situation, the Coast Guard received a report from the Chinese Fisheries Association that Captain A was suffering from severe lower back pain and abdominal pain. The Coast Guard deployed nearby patrol personnel to check the patient’s condition and initiated emergency landing procedures.
Although some procedures were delayed due to identity verification issues, the Coast Guard, in cooperation with the Chinese Consulate General, the Zhejiang Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC), and the Korean Immigration Office, obtained emergency landing clearance for the patient and his guardian.
Captain A was transferred to the Hongdo Health Center by patrol boat and received medical treatment. The medical staff suspected a urinary stone and recommended transfer to a hospital on the mainland. However, Captain A refused due to concerns for the safety of his vessel, and after receiving simple treatment and painkillers, he returned to his ship.
The Mokpo Coast Guard stated, "While we respond strictly to illegal fishing operations in Korean waters, we provide rescue and support for emergency patients or distress situations at sea regardless of nationality."
Meanwhile, after weather conditions improved around 8 p.m. on the same day, the Chinese fishing vessel left the waters near Hongdo and headed back to China.
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