This is the moment the Portuguese Air Force airlifts a ship crew member to the hospital for urgent medical care.br br The Portuguese Air Force carried out the rescue near the Azores archipelago on 25th December.br br The Air Force said: “On the afternoon of Christmas Day, the Air Force air assets on alert in the Azores were called to rescue a ship crew member who needed urgent hospital care.br br “The rescue at sea, 482km east of S. Miguel, was carried out by an EH-101 Merlin helicopter accompanied by a C-295M aircraft, which ensured a successful operation.