Race to save Portuguese fisherman

An Australian customs vessel is making an epic journey to save the life of a Portuguese fisherman rescued in the southern Atlantic.

The 46-year-old sailor, who was transferred from a Spanish vessel in a critical condition, is believed to be suffering from a burst duodenal ulcer.

But the Ocean Viking customs boat is miles from land and not expected to reach a port until Christmas Day.

Doctors say they fear the fisherman may not survive the journey.

The rescue operation started last week when the Spanish authorities reported the medical emergency aboard the Arnella fishing vessel to the Australian government.

Blood donations

In the absence of air support in the area, Canberra sent the Ocean Viking customs boat which was patrolling the Australian waters close to Antarctica for illegal fishing vessels. The Arnela was fishing legally at the time in waters near Heard Island.

After the man, whose identity has not been released, was transferred, the Ocean Viking headed to the nearest Australian port, Fremantle, which is still 2,000 nautical miles (3,700km) away.

In the meantime, a doctor from the Australian Antarctic department is supervising the man's treatment, and the crew are donating blood to keep him alive.

However, the spokesman for the Portuguese embassy in Canberra said that the situation was "very critical" and that the man may not survive the journey.