Indian Coast Guard rescues injured Iranian fisherman in mid-sea operation

New Delhi, Oct 28: The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) successfully carried out a long-range medical evacuation of a critically injured Iranian fisherman from the fishing dhow Al-Owais in the Arabian Sea, around 1500 km west of Kochi, Kerala.

The fisherman sustained severe injuries to both eyes and deep lacerations on his right ear following an explosion during fuel transfer to the vessel’s generator.

The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Mumbai received an alert from its counterpart in Chabahar, Iran, and activated the International Safety Net to mobilise assistance. ICG Ship Sachet, returning from an overseas deployment to East African countries, and the Marshall Islands-flagged tanker MT STI Grace, en route from Kuwait to Moroni, were directed to render aid. The tanker’s crew, guided by ICG medical personnel via telemedicine, provided first aid and stabilised the injured fisherman before transferring him to ICG Ship Sachet for advanced care. The vessel is now heading to Goa for further medical procedures.