Coast Guard prove they’re heroes in real life

The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Mumbai received an urgent request from MRCC Rome

In a daring operation amidst challenging weather conditions, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) successfully carried out the medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) of a 37-year-old crew member from the Panama-flagged vessel MT Global Star. The vessel was stranded 110 nautical miles off the coast of Kochi in the Arabian Sea due to machinery failure.

Considering the critical status of the patient, Coast Guard Ship Arnvesh, which was on an area patrol, was diverted immediately for the medical evacuation of the crew member. However, the operation faced challenges due to strong winds and rough seas caused by the prevailing weather conditions. As a result, the disembarkation of the patient could not be undertaken," stated the ICG.

The coast guard were undeterred during their rescue mission

The Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC) in Mumbai received an urgent request from MRCC Rome, Italy, alerting them about the severe medical condition of the crew member. The individual was reported to be suffering from high blood pressure and had possibly experienced a stroke while on the voyage from Khorfakkan, UAE, to Colombo.

Undeterred by the adverse conditions, the Indian Coast Guard launched an Indian Coast Guard Advance Light Helicopter (ALH) on the morning of July 24, 2023, to perform the MEDEVAC operation. Braving gusty winds and rough weather in the Arabian Sea, the ALH successfully reached the stranded vessel, 110 nautical miles from Kochi.

The crew member, whose condition remained critical, was carefully airlifted from MT Global Star and brought onboard the ALH. With utmost urgency, the patient was then flown to Ernakulam, where he was handed over to local medical authorities for further medical management.