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The National Sea Rescue Institute activated a duty crew late on Friday evening, following a request for medical assistance from the bulk carrier Porto Leone, 6 nautical miles off Port Elizabeth.
NSRI spokesperson, Craig Lambinon says a 47-year old Burmese sailor suffered chest and stomach pains, apparently after inhaling a chemical vapour believed to be hydrochloric acid.
He says the patient was treated and stabilised aboard the carrier and brought to shore.
Lambinon says the man was transported by ambulance to hospital in a stable condition.
