Porbandar: The Indian Coast Guard carried out a challenging medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) operation off the Porbandar coast in Gujarat, saving the life of a 21-year-old seafarer.
Overcoming rough sea conditions, the Coast Guard District Headquarters No. 1 (CGDHQ-1), Porbandar, coordinated with Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Arush and a Coast Guard Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) to carry out the rescue.
This was set in motion after the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC), Mumbai, alerted CGDHQ-1 that a crew member onboard the merchant vessel MT Murlikisan had developed acute chest pain and high fever, requiring urgent evacuation for advanced medical care. CGDHQ-1 immediately activated a search and rescue (SAR) response.
An open sea evacuation was ruled out, given the prevailing sea conditions. Coast Guard officials then liaised with port authorities at Porbandar to facilitate the vessel’s entry into the inner anchorage. The vessel was cleared to anchor and was anchored 2.1 nautical miles off the breakwater.
“However, severe sea conditions and port berthing regulations ruled out docking at the GMB Jetty. As weather conditions worsened through the evening, the Coast Guard scrambled an Advanced Light Helicopter, which successfully evacuated the patient to safety, in an operation which exemplified the force’s motto,”Vayam Rakshamah” (“We Protect”),” an official said.
On arrival at the Coast Guard Air Enclave, Porbandar, the patient underwent an initial medical assessment by an ICG Medical Officer before being shifted to Asha Hospital, Porbandar, for specialised treatment. He is now said to be in a stable condition.
