The Coast Guard medically evacuated the Captain of the 734-foot Singapore-flagged container ship M/V Maersk Batam Monday night, approximately 100 nautical miles south of Puerto Rico Monday night.
The Captain of the M/V Maersk Batam, 57, is a citizen of the United Kingdom, who experienced life threatening symptoms of a possible stroke during the ship’s transit from St. Marta, Colombia to their next scheduled port call in Southampton, England.
“We commend the Government of the U.S. Virgin Islands for their swift response in coming to the aide of the this mariner and providing the higher level of care he required,” said Capt. Eric P. King, Coast Guard Sector San Juan commander. “The tireless and selfless efforts of our Coast Guardsmen every day, as in cases like this, speak volumes to our service’s motto of Semper Paratus. They proudly stand the watch in support our nation and the maritime community to facilitate safe maritime commerce during these difficult times.”