Saudi Gazette report

JAZAN — A seasick French sailor ended up getting a bit more of a response to his call for help than he expected in the international waters off the Farasan Islands on Friday.

According to Lt. Col. Misfer Bin Ghanam Al-Qarni, spokesman for the Joint Marine Rescue Coordination Center (JMRCC), the French Marine Rescue Coordination Center (GRIS NEZ MRCC) sent a distress email indicating that one of the crews of a sailing boat was at sea in a condition that required evacuation.

With few details to work with the Saudi Royal Navy, a search was quickly launched to find the unidentified sailboat.

“Immediately we contacted through satellite communication the captain of the boat and developed a liaison with a doctor at King Fahd Hospital to give him tips and medical instructions until the implementation of the evacuation. We passed the necessary communications to the relevant authorities to mandate naval units to provide urgent medical assistance and speedily evacuate the patient,” said Al-Qarni.

He said maritime vessels and patrols rushed to the site. A Saudi Royal Navy vessel, a long-distance vessel and a high-speed boat were involved with medical personnel of the Saudi Border Guards and a meeting point was set for the deployment of the evacuation plan.

The French sailor was evacuated by helicopter to Prince Mohammed Bin Nasser Hospital in Jazan for further treatment.