PHUKET: A Taiwanese fishing boat captain is being ferried to Phuket on board a Marine Police vessel that surged to his aid after an emergency distress call today.

Hsu Shang-Chih, 51, complained of shortness of breath as the Dong Cheng 988 made its way through choppy seas about 8.30am some 20 nautical miles south west of Phuket.

Phuket Marine Police headed to his rescue with a nurse from Vachira Phuket Hospital and an oxygen tank, as well as an interpreter. The rescue vessel is expected to dock on Phuket with the sick tuna boat captain about 11.20am.