PCG conducts medevac for USNS crew off Albay

The Philippine Coast Guard conducted a medical evacuation (medevac) of a crewmember of the United States Navy Ship Washington Chambers off the waters of Legazpi City, Albay on 16 October 2025.

According to PCG, the medevac was for a civilian mariner who suffered chest pain while onboard the said U.S. Navy ship. The PCG’s Coast Guard District Bicol (CGDBCL) received the request for assistance through an email from the Military Sealift Command Far East.

The email from Commander Jason Carlton Butler requested PCG’s support to conduct an emergency medevac for a 31-year-old man who was reported to be experiencing severe chest pain.

Upon receipt of the information, CGDBCL immediately coordinated with the operations officer of the Military Sealift Command, to confirm the request and facilitate the medical evacuation procedures.

Personnel from Coast Guard Station Albay, Coast Guard Sub-Station Legazpi, CG Medical Station Bicol, Maritime Safety Services Unit Bicol (MSSU-BCL) and CGDBCL, in coordination with the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) Legazpi and the owner of M/T Masaraga, carried out the medevac using the said tugboat to ensure a safe and efficient transfer of the patient.

Coast Guard medical team successfully transported the patient from USNS Washington Chambers to M/T Masaraga, where immediate medical attention was rendered, including vital sign assessment and oxygen administration.

The patient was safely brought ashore and turned over to ACE Medical Center, Legazpi City for further evaluation and treatment.

The CGDBCL extended its gratitude to the owner and crew of M/T Masaraga for their invaluable assistance and cooperation, which significantly contributed to the swift and successful conduct of the operation.