Algerian coast guard evacuates injured Turkish sailor off eastern shore

31/3/2025 6:08

Algeria's coast guard rescued on Sunday a Turkish sailor who suffered a severe head injury aboard a merchant vessel near Bejaia, east of Algiers, the Defense Ministry said.

The operation was launched after Algeria's maritime rescue coordination center received an urgent request from Turkish authorities at 10:40 a.m. local time (0940 GMT), the ministry said in a statement. The injured crew member required immediate evacuation while the ship was stationed five nautical miles northeast of Bejaia.

Specialized naval teams responded swiftly, transferring the sailor to shore for medical treatment, the statement added.

The mission highlights Algeria's role in Mediterranean search-and-rescue operations and its commitment to maritime safety, the statement noted, adding that Algeria's coast guard frequently assists distressed vessels in its waters as part of broader international humanitarian efforts.