The Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Center Region III in Ho Chi Minh City reported that the Pacific World vessel issued an emergency signal for an 84-year-old man. He was experiencing severe respiratory failure due to pneumonia, requiring intubation and mechanical ventilation, while the ship was en route from Singapore to Taiwan.

As the SAR 272 vessel and its medical team approached, the captain reported a 79-year-old female passenger also had difficulty breathing, requesting assistance to transport her to land.

Male passenger transferred from the cruise ship to the rescue vessel. *Photo: Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Center Region III*

This afternoon, rescue forces reached the cruise ship, provided initial medical care, and transferred both patients to the specialized vessel. During the transfer, doctors maintained intensive resuscitation and closely monitored their conditions.

At approximately 3:20 PM, the two passengers were handed over to authorities and the ship owner's representative for transfer to a medical facility for specialized treatment.

The SAR 272 vessel approaching the cruise ship offshore Ho Chi Minh City. *Photo: Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Center Region III*

The Pacific World, flagged in Panama and owned by a Japanese company, measures 261 meters long and 32 meters wide. It was built in 1995. Last year, the vessel brought about 1,700 Japanese tourists to visit Ha Long Bay in Quang Ninh.

Truong Ha