INDIAN COAST GUARD CONDUCTS SWIFT MEDICAL EVACUATION FROM IFB RENGANATHAR THUNAI

INDIAN COAST GUARD CONDUCTS SWIFT MEDICAL EVACUATION FROM IFB RENGANATHAR THUNAI

MUMBAI: On 07 Feb 25, the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Mumbai received an alert regarding a medical emergency onboard the fishing boat IFB Renganathar Thunai. Responding promptly, ICG Regional Headquarters (West) executed a swift and coordinated assistance operation to save the precious life in duress.

Since the last known position was 170 Nm west off Lakshadweep Island group, ICG District Headquarters at Lakshadweep was tasked with positively identifying the vessel through electronic surveillance. ICG ship Samarth operating off Lakshadweep was diverted to effect rendezvous with the distressed vessel.

An ICG Dornier aircraft on surveillance patrol successfully located the boat by around 2100 hrs on 07 Feb 25 and established communication. Critical information about the patient was obtained and it was confirmed that the patient (Mr. Senthil, 49Yrs from Tamil Nadu) suffered from multiple episodes of epileptic seizures and subsequent stroke. Consequently to positive identification, ICG ship promptly altered course toward the distressed vessel.

At approximately 0900 hrs on 08 Feb 25, ICGS Samarth boarded fishing boat, 80 Nm from Kavaratti, and deployed medical team for an initial assessment. The Medical Officer confirmed that the patient had experienced three consecutive seizures and required urgent medical intervention with ICU facilities . The patient, accompanied with escort, were taken onboard ICG ship and the patient was administered IV fluids and anti-seizure medication.

Meanwhile, ICG District Headquarters at Kavaratti, in coordination with the UT of Lakshadweep Administration, secured ICU and critical care facilities at Indira Gandhi Govt. Hospital, Kavaratti. By 1615 hrs, the patient, accompanied by a caretaker, was seamlessly transferred to Kavaratti for advanced medical care.

The coordinated medical evacuation effort by various ICG units validates our commitment to safeguarding lives at sea. The operation underscores the ICG’s proactive presence in remote island territories and its efficiency in conducting Search and Rescue (SAR) and medical evacuations with precision and urgency.