NE DEFENCE & MARITIME BUREAU
KOCHI, OCT 28
In a daring and compassionate mission on the high seas, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) conducted a long-range medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) of a critically injured Iranian fisherman from the dhow Al-Owais, stranded about 1,500 km west of Kochi in the Arabian Sea.
The fisherman had sustained serious injuries to both eyes and deep lacerations on his right ear following an explosion during a fuel transfer to the vessel’s generator. The dhow, with five crew members onboard, was immobilized due to engine failure in international waters.
- Daring long-range medical evacuation highlights ICG’s humanitarian leadership in the Indian Ocean Region
- Seamless coordination between Indian and Iranian MRCCs underscores maritime solidarity beyond borders
- Critically injured fisherman stabilised onboard ICG Ship Sachet, en route to Goa for advanced care
Upon receiving a distress alert from Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Chabahar, Iran, the MRCC Mumbai immediately activated the International Safety Net and launched a multi-nation coordination effort.
ICG Ship Sachet—on return passage from an overseas deployment to East Africa—and Marshall Islands-flagged tanker MT STI Grace, en route from Kuwait to Moroni, were diverted to assist. The crew of STI Grace reached Al-Owais, administered tele-medical first aid under real-time guidance from ICG medical personnel, and stabilized the patient before transferring him to ICG Ship Sachet for further treatment.
The injured fisherman is receiving continuous medical care onboard Sachet, which is proceeding towards Goa for advanced procedures and handover to medical authorities.
“The mission epitomises the Coast Guard’s humanitarian spirit and operational readiness,” said an ICG spokesperson. “Our men and women at sea stand ready not just for India’s security, but for saving lives—irrespective of nationality or boundary.”
Echoing the sentiment, an official from MRCC Chabahar commended the swift coordination:
“The timely response and professionalism of the Indian Coast Guard saved a life today. This operation reflects the growing trust and cooperation between our maritime agencies.”
Senior ICG officers noted that the 1,500-km evacuation stands among the longest-range humanitarian operations carried out in the Arabian Sea, reaffirming India’s role as a credible regional maritime search and rescue (SAR) power.
“Maritime safety knows no borders,” said a senior officer at ICG Western Region. “Our goal is to ensure that every distress call at sea—whether from an Indian or foreign mariner—receives the fastest, most professional assistance possible.”
This complex and high-stakes rescue reinforces the Indian Coast Guard’s position as a trusted guardian of the Indian Ocean Region, committed to the principles of safety, compassion, and international maritime cooperation.
