The Arklow-Vale: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

On May 31, 2020, around 12:20 p.m., the CROSS Gris-Nez received an urgent report from a shipping agent at Dunkirk port, alerting them to a medical emergency aboard the 'Arklow Vale.' A crew member onboard was experiencing severe chest pain, which raised concerns (not related to COVID-19). The vessel was anchored approximately five nautical miles north of Calais, prompting immediate action. After consultations with a medical professional from the Maritime Medical Consultation Center in Toulouse, and subsequently the SAMU in Le Havre, it was determined that the situation necessitated an immediate medevac due to suspicions of a heart attack. At 12:54 p.m., the CROSS mobilized a Dauphin helicopter from the French Navy base at Le Touquet. The rescue team successfully hoisted the 54-year-old man at around 1:30 p.m. He was swiftly transported to Boulogne-sur-Mer hospital center, where he arrived at 2 p.m. and was promptly attended to by medical staff. This operation underscores the critical role of maritime rescue services in ensuring the safety and health of those at sea.