Alert Surigao PPA Harbor Master saves ship captain
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte -- The swift response and action of the Port of Surigao’s Harbor Master made all the difference in saving the life of a ship captain who suffered a stroke while onboard a vehicle carrier sailing from the Port of Davao enroute to the Port of Batangas.
On February 5, 2023, while sailing in the vicinity of the Port of Surigao’s harbor waters, MV Pearl Orient issued a distress call which was promptly received by the port’s Harbor Master, Retired Navy Captain Primitivo Novo Jr. The call requested clearance to divert voyage and drop anchor at the Port of Surigao’s anchorage area for the emergency disembarkation of the vessel master, Captain Virgelio M. Palado, who suffered a mild stroke.
Captain Novo lost no time and immediately contacted and made arrangements with the Philippine Coast Guard for the immediate deployment of assets to disembark and rescue the beleaguered ship captain for prompt medical care.
Coast Guard Surigao del Norte Station Commander LTSG Romeo Dax B. Calamaya at once ordered the deployment of its Deployable Response Group (DRG) and proceeded to the reported location onboard Fast Patrol Boat 151.
After sighting the vessel at the Port of Surigao’s anchorage area, the DRG and the Coast Guard Medical Team immediately boarded the vessel, applied the necessary first aid, and successfully disembarked the sick captain for transport to the Port of Surigao.
Meanwhile, Captain Novo also made arrangements with the Surigao City Emergency Response Services (ERS) which immediately deployed a team to the Port of Surigao and brought the victim to the nearest hospital. (PPA-PMO Surigao/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
