The Indian Coast Guard in a swift and coordinated operation on today evacuated a patient from a Motor Tanker at sea. At about 0630 hrs on 23 Jan 23, a message was received from Sagar VTMS at Coast Guard District Headquarters No. 8 (West Bengal), Haldia, intimating about a medical emergency onboard MT GB Venture (Flag – Singapore), which was anchored in position 40.5 Nm South of Sagar, due to machinery breakdown.
One crew Than Htike Lwin (Myanmar national) had sustained Blunt Trauma abdomen during maintenance on hydraulic pipeline onboard. The individual complained of severe pain in abdomen and experienced difficulty in breathing. The master of the vessel had requested the Coast Guard for medical evacuation. The vessel was in position 80 Nm East North East of Paradip.
Upon receipt of the information, the Coast Guard operations team swung into action and contacted the local agent of the vessel, seeking update on the status of distressed crew. It was revealed that the pain was persistent and the person needs to be evacuated. The Coast Guard medical officer at Haldia communicated with the master of the vessel and advised first aid, to stabilize the patient’s condition. Considering the criticality of the situation, a Coast Guard Advance Light Helicopter (ALH) was launched from Coast Guard Air Enclave Bhubneshwar, for evacuation of the patient. Meanwhile two Coast Guard ships operating at sea were also diverted towards the Motor Tanker, for rendering assistance.
The Coast Guard Helicopter arrived on scene at about 1010 hrs and post taking the prevailing sea and weather conditions in consideration, the pilot of ALH safely maneuvered the helicopter and evacuated the patient from the vessel at about 1030 hrs. Post evacuation the helicopter proceeded to Bhubneshwar and disembarked the patient at about 1140 hrs. The injured crew was thereafter admitted at Apollo hospital Bhubaneswar, for further medical management. The local agent coordinated thereafter with the Hospital staff and the condition of the patient is reported stable.
The swift medical evacuation at sea has once again reaffirms Indian Coast Guard’s steadfast resolute towards providing succor to mariners in distress and reiterated its commitment towards safety of lives at sea, true to its motto “Vayam Raksham” which means “We Protect”.
