At 0:04 on 14/2, the Vietnam Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Center received an urgent signal from the cruise ship MEIN SCHIFF 6, flying the Maltese flag, which was en route from Quang Ninh to Singapore. The vessel was approximately 215 nautical miles from Da Nang at the time.

Passenger Giovanni De Villa, 66, a German national, slipped and fell unconscious. The ship's doctor diagnosed spleen damage, pulmonary embolism, and arrhythmia, indicating a high risk of death without specialized intervention.

SAR 274 crew transferring the patient from the ship to shore. Photo: *DNMRCC*.

That same night, the Center alerted its entire system, coordinating with the Da Nang 115 Emergency Center, the Maritime Port Authority, and the Border Guard to develop a rescue plan. The MEIN SCHIFF 6 was instructed to change course and increase speed towards a designated rendezvous point closer to shore, while the SAR 274 was simultaneously prepared for immediate departure to intercept.

At 10:00 on 14/2, after the cruise ship had significantly reduced its distance to the mainland, SAR 274 departed Da Nang port, carrying a team of specialist doctors. Upon reaching the agreed-upon location, the rescue team transferred the medical personnel to the other ship.

At this point, the patient remained unconscious, suffering from respiratory failure and suspected severe internal bleeding. Following initial treatment, the victim was transferred to SAR 274 for intensive resuscitation during the journey back to shore.

At 12:00 on the same day, the vessel docked, and the patient was handed over to authorities and immediately transferred to Vinmec Da Nang Hospital for continued emergency treatment.

Nguyen Dong