On April 29, Song Tu Tay Island Clinic (Truong Sa Special Zone) received and promptly rescued 2 fishermen who suffered a decompression accident during deep diving for seafood exploitation in the sea area of Truong Sa archipelago.
According to reports from Song Tu Tay island, the two patients include Mr. Dang Le (43 years old, residing in Tan Hai village, Long Hai commune, Lam Dong province) and Mr. Tran Van That (35 years old, residing in Ham Liem commune, Lam Dong province).
Both are divers on fishing vessel LD-95999-TS, captained by Mr. Vo Minh Tao (44 years old, from Phu Quy Special Zone, Lam Dong province).
Initial information indicates that Mr. Dang Le has a history of health, many years of seafood exploitation in the Truong Sa area; and Mr. Tran Van That has a history of right hip osteoarthritis.
According to the captain, on April 29, 2026, when the ship was operating about 5 nautical miles west of Da Nam Island, Mr. Dang Le dived twice at a depth of 25 m (first time from 6 pm to 7:30 pm; second time from 8:20 pm to 9:20 pm). During diving, due to technical problems causing the air hose to break, the patient had to quickly surface to ensure safety.
About 10 minutes after reaching the water surface, the patient appeared tired and numb in his hands and feet.
The fishermen on board initially treated it with a re-pressure method at a depth of 20 m for 40 minutes. However, after about 3 hours, the condition worsened with symptoms of constipation, complete paralysis of both lower limbs, abdominal distension and severe fatigue.
3 days earlier, Mr. Tran Van That, after diving 20m deep for 1 hour, also experienced pain in the right hip joint, increased pain when moving, difficulty walking, but no fever, no shortness of breath.
At 4:30 pm on the same day, both patients were taken to Song Tu Tay island clinic for emergency treatment.
Immediately upon receiving the information, the island commander directed the infirmary to urgently prepare, organize reception and examination.
After professional consultation, the treatment team deployed a re-hypertension regimen (scheme 6), combined with intravenous fluids, oxygen breathing, use of antiplatelet drugs, corticosteroids, neurological support, pain relief and close monitoring of the patient's condition. The prognosis for patients was assessed as severe.
Currently, doctors and nurses at Song Tu Tay island clinic are continuing to monitor closely, ready to handle the next situations.
