NEW DELHI, AUG 9 : In a swift medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) operation, Indian Coast Guard (ICG) ship, C-428 evacuated a Philippines crew member from Marshall Island flagged vessel Olympia GR off Port Blair on Frida .

The vessel was enroute from Haldia to Indonesia, navigating Andaman and Nicobar Islands when a 39-year-old crew member’s left hand thumb was severely crushed while working in the engine room, an official statement said.

The Master of the vessel approached Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Port Blair, regarding the medical emergency on board on Thursday and had sought ICG assistance.

Upon receiving the information, MRCC Port Blair immediately swung into action and advised the 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.

Subsequently, Ship C-428 was deployed from Port Blair for MEDEVAC, and it evacuated the patient and brought him to Port Blair on the same day in morning. Thereafter, he was handed over 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 the sea.(UNI)