The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), through the Coast Guard Station (CGS)-Zamboanga, successfully conducted a medical evacuation (Medevac) for a 12-year-old boy aboard a commercial ferry upon arrival at the port of Zamboanga on July 12, 2026.
Details of the Incident
The young passenger arrived around 5:35 a.m. Saturday, July 12, 2026, from Jolo, Sulu, aboard M/V Dorotheya. According to CGS-Zamboanga, the station received a report from the vessel's Clearing Officer that the boy urgently required medical assistance due to oxygen deprivation while en route from Jolo to Zamboanga City.
Investigation revealed the patient sustained a head injury after being struck by a falling coconut prior to boarding the vessel at the port of Jolo.
Medical Response Onboard
While the vessel was en route to Zamboanga City, a nurse from Jolo Hospital, together with the assigned Coast Guard Sea Marshal, attended to the boy aboard the ship.
Upon docking at the local port, personnel of CGS-Zamboanga, through its Deployable Response Group (DRG), along with staff from the Zamboanga City Medical Center (ZCMC), immediately boarded the vessel and safely transferred the patient to a waiting ZCMC ambulance.
Hospital Transfer and Outcome
The patient was then transported to Premier Hospital in Zamboanga City for further medical evaluation and treatment.
CGS-Zamboanga stated that the successful medical evacuation highlights the PCG's commitment to ensuring the safety and welfare of all passengers at sea through prompt response, effective coordination, and dedicated public service.
