In a swiftly conducted Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) operation on AM 09 Aug 24, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) ship evacuated a 39 year-old Philippines crew (Mr. De Los Reyes) from Marshall Island flagged Vessel Olympia GR off Port Blair. The patient’s left hand thumb was severely crushed while working in engine room, when the vessel was in position 130 N miles North-West of East Island, Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The vessel was enroute from Haldia to Indonesia. Master of the vessel had approached Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Port Blair regarding the medical emergency onboard at 1608 hrs on 08 Aug 24 and had sought ICG assistance. Upon receipt of information, MRCC Port Blair immediately swung into action and advised vessel to head towards Port Blair. Meanwhile MRCC alerted ICG Search and Rescue units comprising of ship and helicopter at Port Blair to remain standby for MEDEVAC. MRCC Port Blair also coordinated with the local agent of the vessel at Port Blair i.e. M/s GAC Shipping Pvt Ltd for MEDEVAC arrangements at Port Blair. Subsequently, ICG Ship C-428 was deployed from Port Blair for MEDEVAC.
At 0835 hrs on 09 Aug 24, ICG Ship evacuated patient from MV Olympia GR off Port Blair and brought to Port Blair at 1010 hrs on same day. Thereafter, the patient was handed over to local agent M/s GAC Shipping Pvt Ltd for hospitalisation at GB Pant Hospital, Port Blair.
The timely medical evacuation underscores the Indian Coast Guard’s commitment towards aiding mariners in distress at sea, aligning with its motto ‘वयंम् रक्षामः,’ meaning ‘WE PROTECT’.
