Indian Navy’s INS Trikand provides lifesaving aid to injured Pakistani sailor in Arabian Sea

New Delhi, Apr 6: Demonstrating a commitment to humanitarian assistance beyond borders, the Indian Navy’s stealth frigate INS Trikand provided critical medical aid to an injured Pakistani crew member on April 4, while on deployment in the Central Arabian Sea, a defence ministry press release said.

The distress call came early in the day from the Iranian fishing dhow Al Omeedi, operating roughly 350 nautical miles east of Oman’s coast. Upon establishing contact, the ship's crew informed INS Trikand that a sailor had sustained serious injuries to his fingers while working on the vessel’s engine. In a bid to expedite medical help, the wounded man had been transferred to another dhow, FV Abdul Rehman Hanzia, bound for Iran. INS Trikand immediately changed course to intercept the vessel. On board FV Abdul Rehman Hanzia were 11 Pakistani nationals—nine Baloch and two Sindhi—and five Iranians.

The injured sailor, a Pakistani Baloch, had suffered multiple fractures and deep lacerations, resulting in heavy blood loss and risk of gangrene. A medical team from the frigate, including a Navy doctor, Marine Commandos (MARCOS), and the ship’s boarding party, boarded the fishing vessel and began administering emergency treatment. After administering local anesthesia, the team undertook a three-hour surgical procedure to suture and splint the injured fingers.

The bleeding was successfully controlled, significantly reducing the risk of permanent damage.

Medical supplies, including antibiotics, were also handed over to the crew to assist in continued treatment during their journey to Iran.

Grateful for the swift response, the crew of FV Abdul Rehman Hanzia expressed heartfelt thanks to the Indian Navy for saving their crewmate’s life.