PH Navy helps sick Aussie sailor

MANILA, Philippines – An Australian sailor was dropped off here by his submarine on a medical emergency after he was found to be suffering from appendicitis, a Philippine Navy official said Wednesday.

“They were in international waters on Sunday, when the emergency happened, they asked assistance from the Navy Central Command in Cebu,” said Commander Gerald Gregory Fabic, public affairs office chief.

Fabic said the Australian submarine was forced to dock at the nearest pier, which happened to be in Tacloban after which the sailor was brought to Manila where he was treated.

Fabic said that there were no international protocols breached as it was a medical emergency and the diplomatic clearances were provided for the sailor, whom Fabic did not identify.

The Australian sub, which Fabic also did not name for security purposes, met with the BF339 of the Philippine Navy to bring the sailor, first, to a Tacloban hospital.

“Tests were conducted and it was found out that the sailor had appendicitis,” Fabic said.

He added that a flight to Manila was booked for the sailor and an officer escort. The Australian submarine will be leaving the Philippines on Sunday.

Officials from the Australian Embassy here would take care of the soldier and plan his return to Australia.

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