The Spanish frigate ‘Numancia’ evacuates two injured Filipino sailors in the Indian Ocean

The FFG ‘Numancia’, deployed in EUNAVFOR’s operation ‘Atalanta’ against piracy in the Indian Ocean, was informed that the ship ‘MT Perla’ was sailing adrift with two injured people on board as a consequence of a serious fire in the engine room.

As anticipated, the different naval forces in the area activated the scheduled protocol. Originally, the selected warship to provide support was the Royal Australian Navy frigate ‘HMAS Newcastle’ operating under the command of Task Force 150.

At midnight, and given the severe third-degree burns in face and arms, it was decided to evacuate the injured sailors to the nearest hospital: Port Victoria in the Seychelles. As the ‘Newcastle’ was unable to carry out the MEDEVAC (Medical Evacuation), EUNAVFOR Command requested the ‘Numancia’ to take charge of the situation.

Once the ‘Newcastle’ embarked the injured sailors, the ‘Numancia’ helicopter proceeded to collect the two Filipino men and flew them back to the Spanish frigate where they were treated by the medical personnel in the sick bay until they disembarked in Port Victoria.

In the Seychelles, a EUNAVFOR liaison officer and an ambulance were waiting for the ‘Numancia’, and the two burn sailors disembarked and were able to get into the ambulance unaided.

This is the second MEDEVAC carried out by the Spanish frigate ‘Numancia’ in the Indian Ocean in just a few days, after the support provided to a crew member of the UK Royal Fleet Auxiliary ship ‘Fort Victoria’.