ICG evacuates stranded unconscious fisherman from mid sea

Chennai, Feb 6: In a life saving operation, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has rescued a stranded fishermen in an unconscious condition in mid sea. A defence statement issued late last night said in their earnest endeavour to ensure safety of mariners at sea, the alert and vigilant operators of Maritime
Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC), Chennai at ICG Regional Headquarters (East), demonstrated exemplary responsiveness and coordination in evacuating a 45-year-old fisherman from an Indian fishing boat at sea, who suffered seizures and lost consciousness, suspected to be a stroke. On February 4 at about 1715 hours, MRCC Chennai received the request for medical evacuation from state fisheries authorities and immediately activated all protocols. Understanding the critical condition of the patient, the ICG team immediately swung into action and directed the boat master to proceed with best speed
towards Chennai. The ICG Rani Gaidinliu, on routine patrol, was immediately diverted to evacuate
the sick fisherman. In the meanwhile the ICG medical team provided regular tele-medical advice to
the boat master and regular update on condition of the patient was undertaken. The ICGS Rani Gaidinliu successfully evacuated the sick fisherman in dark hours about 45 nm off Chennai in treacherous sea conditions adhering to all safety protocols. The ICG Medical team onboard ICG Ship provided first aid and preliminary medical management en-route passage to Chennai. The ICG Ship entered Chennai at 2245 hrs on February four night and handed over the patient to ICG Medical team waiting at Coast Guard Jetty, Chennai Port. The ICG medical team ex-DHQ-5, immediately took the patient to Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital in ICG ambulance for advanced medical care and subsequently handed over the patient to the fisheries authorities for further medical management. Prompt response by MRCC, Chennai in coordination with fisheries authorities and all stakeholders resulted in safe evacuation of the patient thereby saving a precious life at sea. Such successful SAR mission involving immediate evacuation of sick fisherman in coordination with fisheries authorities and local stakeholders has again proved professional acumen and unabated commitment of the ICG towards assisting fishermen community and safeguarding precious lives at sea through rapid response, advanced coordination, and specialized medical support befitting with the motto of ICG “Vayam Rakshamah – We Protect”.