The Navy, in conjunction with medical services, successfully coordinated a medivac operation of a crew member from the merchant ship Zoey which was sailing under a Maltese flag 27 miles south of Cape St. Vincent.
The 51 year old Turkish man had severed a finger and was in danger of severe infection as a result.
The Navy received an emergency call at 12.00 and after medical advice from INEM decided that a sea based evacuation was the safest, using the lifeboat Diligente (pictured) from the Sagres station.
The merchant ship was diverted to an area closer to land to gain some shelter from the unfavorable sea conditions and to ensure a more stable evacuation.
The Diligente proceeded to the rendezvous and rescue the wounded man at 14.00, returning to Baleeira at 14.15.
The crew member was transported by ambulance by INEM to Portimão Hospital and was said to be in a stable condition.
