Typhoon Approaches, Halting Ferries; 80-Year-Old Man with Terminal Cancer Rushed to Hospital by Coast Guard Patrol Boat in Rough Seas

A critical medical emergency on Taiwan's Xiaoliuqiu island was resolved thanks to a daring rescue mission by the Coast Guard, navigating treacherous seas during a typhoon.

An 87-year-old man, suffering from intestinal obstruction due to advanced colon cancer, experienced a sudden deterioration in his condition on the evening of July 24. His vital signs became unstable, necessitating an urgent transfer to a hospital on the main island for treatment. However, the approaching Typhoon Hung-fa had led to the suspension of all ferry services between Xiaoliuqiu and the mainland, including the island's medical ship, the "Ci Hang," from July 24 to 25. This left the island's medical transport options severely limited.

Responding to an emergency call from the Xiaoliuqiu Township Health Center, the Coast Guard's Fifth Patrol Unit dispatched a 100-ton patrol boat, PP-10075, to the scene. Despite the adverse weather conditions and rough waves, the vessel arrived at Baisha Fishing Port on Xiaoliuqiu at 9:50 PM. The crew quickly embarked the patient, his family, and a nurse, then immediately set course back to Donggang.

The patrol boat safely reached the Donggang Inspection Station pier at 10:52 PM. Coast Guard personnel assisted in transferring the patient, who was then rushed by ambulance to the Fooyin University Hospital for urgent care. The Fifth Patrol Unit emphasized its commitment to public safety and vowed to continue close cooperation with local medical units to support island residents.