The Vietnam Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Centre Region II said it received an urgent request from Danang's military authorities at noon on Saturday to evacuate the two patients, aged 67 and 83, from a medical station on the islands.
One patient was suffering from acute respiratory failure and a severe asthma attack, while the other had severe abdominal pain and was suspected of having a gastrointestinal perforation, a potentially life-threatening condition.
The Cham Islands had been cut off by rough seas caused by a tropical depression, with waves exceeding four metres, level-8 winds and heavy rain, making the crossing unsafe for conventional vessels.
With medical facilities on the islands unable to provide the treatment required, Danang authorities sought an emergency evacuation.
Rescue vessel SAR 631 was dispatched and reached the islands at 3.20 pm. Rescue workers and medical staff transferred the two patients aboard and provided emergency care during the journey to the mainland.
Both remained in critical condition with no signs of improvement, prompting doctors to call for their swift transfer to hospital.
After navigating rough seas and strong winds, SAR 631 reached the mainland at 5.30 pm. The patients were handed over to Danang's 115 Emergency Centre and taken to Danang General Hospital for further treatment.
Caption: A patient from the Cham Islands receives emergency medical care. Photo: Vietnam Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Centre Region II