Last month, the Brazilian Navy, through its Northeast Maritime Search and Rescue Service (Salvamar Nordeste), successfully coordinated the urgent medical evacuation of a Filipino crew member, Marapau Rogelio Sumabong, from the Portuguese-flagged cruise ship Ocean Endeavor. The vessel was en route from Canada to Montevideo, Uruguay, when the emergency arose.

The crew member experienced severe abdominal pain, prompting an immediate telemedicine consultation with a doctor. Second Lieutenant (Doctor) Laércio José de Oliveira Filho confirmed a suspected case of appendicitis and determined that urgent evacuation was necessary to prevent potential complications.
“The patient had severe abdominal pain. After the clinical assessment together with the data provided by the cruise doctor, I determined that it would be necessary to refer him to a hospital,” said Dr. Oliveira Filho.
At the time, Ocean Endeavor was approximately 370 nautical miles off the Brazilian coast. Salvamar Nordeste directed the ship to change course toward Fortaleza while simultaneously coordinating with the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) for aerial evacuation.

The FAB deployed an H-36 “Caracal” helicopter, which evacuated the crew member. Upon reaching land, Sumabong was immediately transferred to a regional hospital for treatment.
Salvamar Brasil, the Brazilian Navy’s Maritime Search and Rescue Service covers an area of approximately 14.5 million square kilometers, along the entore Brazilian coast, ensures rapid responses to emergencies at sea.

We extend our best wishes to Marapau Rogelio Sumabong for a speedy and full recovery, and we commend the efforts of the Brazilian Navy, Air Force, and medical teams for their swift and coordinated response.