Ahmedabad: The Indian Coast Guard successfully carried out a challenging medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) operation off the Porbandar coast, rescuing a 21-year-old seafarer from a merchant vessel despite adverse sea conditions.
The operation began late on July 25 after the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC), Mumbai, alerted Coast Guard District Headquarters No. 1 (CGDHQ-1), Porbandar, that a crew member aboard merchant vessel MT Murlikisan was suffering from acute chest pain and high fever, requiring immediate advanced medical care.
Responding swiftly, the Coast Guard launched a search and rescue operation. Due to rough sea conditions, an open-sea evacuation was deemed unsafe. Coast Guard officials coordinated with Porbandar Port authorities to allow the vessel to enter the inner anchorage, where it anchored about 2.1 nautical miles from the breakwater on July 26.
As weather conditions deteriorated further and berthing at the GMB Jetty was not possible, the Coast Guard deployed an Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH). The helicopter successfully airlifted the patient from the vessel, ensuring his safe evacuation in a mission that highlighted the force’s motto, “Vayam Rakshamah” (We Protect).
After being brought to the Coast Guard Air Enclave (CGAE) in Porbandar, the patient received an initial medical examination by a Coast Guard Medical Officer before being shifted to Asha Hospital for specialised treatment. Officials confirmed that the rescued seafarer is currently in stable condition. The operation underscored the Indian Coast Guard’s capability to conduct complex maritime rescue missions and provide timely assistance to those in distress at sea, even under challenging weather conditions.