The One-Union: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

In a dramatic midnight rescue operation on December 21, 2023, a Russian crew member aboard the 'Viva Unity', which was navigating from Istanbul to Ghent, needed urgent medical evacuation while situated in the Bay of Biscay. The incident unfolded when the CROSS Etel was alerted following the crew member's serious health concerns. Initially, a healthcare professional assessed the situation remotely and determined that immediate evacuation was unnecessary. However, as the crew member's condition continued to worsen, a critical decision was made, leading to the mobilization of rescue efforts just before 4 p.m. Due to the vessel's considerable distance from the mainland, it was instructed to steer closer to Penmarc’h. The rescue operation escalated when an H160 helicopter took off from the Lanvéoc base at 11:13 p.m. The airlift operation successfully retrieved the patient at approximately 12:20 a.m., located 180 nautical miles off the coast of Penmarc’h. Following the airlift, the crew member was promptly transported to Cavale Blanche Hospital in Brest for further medical attention.