Indian Coast Guard rescues injured sailor from MT Desh Shakti off Mumbai coast
Mumbai, July 4
The Indian Coast Guard on Saturday, along with the Indian Navy, rescued a sailor from crude oil vessel MT Desh Shakti off the Mumbai coast, after he sustained serious eye injuries.
According to the Indian Coast Guard, despite adverse weather conditions, the seafarer was safely airlifted off Mumbai by a Navy helicopter.
The Coast Guard posted on X, "Indian Coast Guard Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Mumbai, in close coordination with Indian Navy, facilitated the Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) of a 30-year-old sailor from MT Desh Shakti, who sustained serious eye injuries onboard. Despite adverse weather, the patient was safely airlifted off Mumbai by an Indian Navy Seaking helicopter."
"The MEDEVAC was enabled by seamless coordination between MRCC, ICG, Indian Navy and SCI. The operation reaffirms ICG's unwavering commitment to saving lives at sea through round-the-clock readiness and inter-agency synergy," the statement read.
According to the Western Naval Command, "In spite of the red alert due to incessant rains, poor visibility and rough seas, the helicopter skillfully evacuated the injured seafarer utilising a rescue basket. After stabilising the patient onboard the helicopter, he was transported ashore for urgent medical care."
Earlier on June 29, the Indian Coast Guard successfully rescued six fishermen from the distressed Indian Fishing Boat (IFB) Manju Matha in a challenging Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR) operation off the coast of Mangaluru.
According to a statement issued by the Indian Coast Guard, at approximately 4 pm, Indian Coast Guard Ship Sachet intercepted a VHF RT distress call from a fishing boat located about 33 nautical miles off Suratkal coast, reporting severe flooding and hull damage due to rough sea conditions, placing the lives of all six crew members at imminent risk.
Responding without delay, ICG immediately diverted the ship to render assistance, effecting a rendezvous with the distressed vessel within 90 minutes.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Glad the sailor got timely help 🙏 But I wonder how common such eye injuries are on these crude carriers. Hope the Shipping Corporation of India reviews safety protocols to prevent such accidents in the first place. Good coordination nonetheless.
Impressive inter-agency coordination between the Coast Guard, Navy, and SCI. The rescue basket extraction in a red alert situation shows world-class training. As a former mariner, I know how tough MEDEVAC at sea can be. Well done, India!
While the rescue is commendable, it's telling that we celebrate operations that are routine in many countries. We need more investment in coastal safety infrastructure instead of just reacting. Also, what about the financial burden on the sailor's family? Just asking.
This is why India's maritime rescue capabilities are respected globally. The seamless coordination between MRCC, ICG, and Navy in Mumbai's monsoon conditions is textbook. God bless the rescued sailor and the brave crews! 🙏
As someone whose father was in the merchant navy, I know how terrifying medical emergencies at sea can be. This rescue gives me so much reassurance that our forces have our seafarers' backs. Also heartwarming to see the same agency rescued fishermen off Mangaluru just days before. Consistent excellence!
D David E