The Aryavarth Express
New Delhi – In a swift and high-risk mid-sea rescue, the Indian Navy airlifted a critically ill 41-year-old Indian sailor from the Singapore-flagged oil tanker Eagle Veracruz in the Arabian Sea on Thursday, following an emergency medical alert.
The distress call was relayed by the Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR), requesting immediate medical evacuation for the crew member in critical condition.
Responding without delay, the Navy launched a Seaking helicopter from INS Garuda in Kochi and diverted patrol vessel INS Sharda to assist with the rescue.
Despite poor visibility caused by heavy monsoon conditions and the absence of a helipad on the tanker, the helicopter crew carried out a precise winching operation to lift the patient safely from the moving vessel’s deck.
The sailor was flown to INS Garuda and immediately transferred to a hospital in Kochi for advanced medical care.
The operation highlights the Indian Navy’s readiness and capability to respond to maritime emergencies under challenging conditions.
