Panaji: In a daring mid-sea rescue operation, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) carried out the medical evacuation of a critically injured Iranian fisherman from the Arabian Sea, about 1,500 km west of the Indian coast, and airlifted him to Goa for urgent treatment, officials said on Thursday.
According to a statement by the Indian Coast Guard, the rescue was launched on October 28, after the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Chabahar, Iran, reported a medical emergency on board the Iranian fishing dhow Al-Owais. The vessel, manned by a six-member crew, had suffered an engine failure at high seas, and one crew member sustained severe injuries to both eyes and a deep laceration to his right ear following an explosion during a fuel transfer operation.
Responding swiftly, MRCC Mumbai activated the International Safety Net to alert nearby vessels and diverted the Marshall Islands-flagged tanker MT STI Grace, which was in the vicinity. Simultaneously, ICGS Sachet, which was returning from an overseas deployment to East African countries, was diverted to assist.
MT STI Grace initially took the injured fisherman on board and provided first aid under telemedicine guidance from the Indian Coast Guard until ICGS Sachet arrived. Despite turbulent sea conditions, the Coast Guard ship successfully executed the mid-sea transfer of the injured fisherman from the tanker to ICGS Sachet.
The crew of Sachet continuously monitored the patient’s condition and administered emergency medical care to stabilise him during the passage. However, as his condition deteriorated on the night of October 29, a decision was taken to airlift him with assistance from the Indian Navy.
A long-range naval helicopter was launched from Goa early on October 30, which successfully evacuated the Iranian fisherman from ICGS Sachet about 180 km off the Goa coast. The helicopter landed at Goa around 12 noon, and the patient was shifted to the Goa Medical College and Hospital for further treatment.
“The successful medical evacuation at high seas with active stakeholder involvement highlights the efficiency and coordination of India’s Search and Rescue (SAR) network,” the Coast Guard said, adding that the mission once again underscored its motto — “Vayam Rakshamah” (We Protect).
The Coast Guard said the multi-agency humanitarian operation reflected close cooperation between Indian maritime agencies and showcased India’s readiness to extend assistance to mariners in distress beyond its national waters.
