The family of a critical patient who died on Saturday night in Thaa Thimarafushi island has said the ambulance had an empty oxygen tank.

Aziza Ibrahim, 74, of Hithahfinivaage, Thaa Kinbidhoo, died of oxygen deficiency in Thimarafushi.

She was referred to a hospital in Male' after treatment in Thaa Veymandoo hospital and sent to Thaa Thimarafushi health center on Saturday night.

Aziza's family told Adhadhu that she had respiratory problems. She was referred to be taken to Male' by Veymandoo Hospital after three days of treatment, the family said.

Aziza was taken to Thimarafushi by sea ambulance with an oxygen tank helping her to breathe. Her condition deteriorated on the way to the airport by ambulance.

The family said she started convulsing as the oxygen ran out but the only other oxygen tank on the ambulance was empty.

"The ambulance was very close to the airport when the patient began convulsing after the oxygen ran out. The tank in the ambulance did not have oxygen so they took her back to the Thimarafushi health center," the family said.

Aziza died while at the Thimarafushi health center.

Many people have died in the past due to delayed treatment and neglect while en route to Male' from the atolls. Last January, a 13-year-old boy also died after delays in being brought to the hospital in Male' from Gaaf Alif Villingili.