Port Blair, July 27: Indian Coast Guard (ICG) carried out mid sea medical emergency evacuation from Singapore registered LNG Carrier“Prachi” at 1200 hrs on 26 Jul 20. The vessel whilst on planned passage from Kochi to Singapore reported 01 crew namely Mr.YashasviKamboj, Age-21 Yrs, nationality-Indian, complaining of burning sensation in stomach, vomited blood and heavy retching. The ill crew is a Trainee Navigating Officer Cadet (TNOC) onboard who embarked the merchant vessel on 23 Jul 20 at Kochi. The patient was tested for COVID-19 on 21 Jul 20, prior embarking vessel, and his reports were negative.

The Coast Guard Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre (MRCC), Port Blair had received a telephonic information from master of the vessel requesting for urgent medical evacuation of the sick crew as the condition of the patient was getting worse. The vessel was approx. 450 Nmwest ofGreat Nicobar at the time of reporting incident.

On receipt of information, MRCC,Port Blair immediately launched multifarious swift rescue mission. Master of the vessel was directed to proceed with best speed towardsCampbell Bay. In the meanwhile the medical team at MRCC provided regular medical advice to the master and regular update on condition of the patient was undertaken. ICGS C-407, with Coast Guard medical team and one police constable embarked onboard, was immediately deployed from Campbell Bay for undertaking medical evacuation of the crew. Braving rough seas and high swell, the Indian Coast Guard Ship successfully evacuated the patient at sea and reached Campbell Bay at 1400 hrs on 26 Jul 20.

On arrival, the patient was handed over to medical staff of Primary Health Clinic (PHC), Campbell Bay for further medical management.  The condition of the patient was reported to be stable. The medical evacuation operation was undertaken in highly professional manner and all precautions towards covid-19 were undertaken.

Prompt response by MRCC, Port Blair and Coast Guard District Headquarters No. 10 at Campbell Bay in coordination with SCI, DSS, Port Blair and local administration resulted in safe evacuation of the patient thereby saving a precious life at sea. 

Such successful SAR mission involving immediate evacuation of sick crew in coordination with local agencies has again proved professional acumen and unabated commitment of Indian Coast Guard towards safeguarding precious lives at sea in all spheres of operations befitting with the motto of Indian Coast Guard “VAYAM RAKSHAMA - WE PROTECT”.