Indian Navy's Daring Rescue: Evacuates Injured Chinese Mariner Amidst Rough Seas

An injured Chinese mariner was rescued from a bulk carrier off the Mumbai coast by an Indian Navy helicopter. The operation, executed under challenging conditions, involved a Seaking helicopter and ICGS Samrat and resulted in the mariner's safe evacuation and transfer to a hospital for further medical care.

An injured Chinese mariner was successfully evacuated by an Indian Navy helicopter from a bulk carrier off Mumbai's coast, a senior naval official reported on Wednesday.

The patient was transported to an air station before being shifted to a hospital for further medical care, the official confirmed.

The Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre (MRCC) in Mumbai received a distress call on Tuesday from the bulk carrier 'Zhong Shan Men,' located approximately 370 km from the coast, reporting a critical injury to a 51-year-old Chinese mariner. The call requested immediate evacuation due to severe blood loss, the Navy stated.

Responding swiftly to the emergency, a Seaking helicopter was deployed from the Indian Naval Air Station INS Shikra at 5.50 am, according to the official.

Despite facing winds exceeding 45 knots and a heavily rolling ship with no clear deck area, the patient was airlifted successfully from the bridge wing, the official disclosed.

ICGS Samrat, present in the area, was also diverted to assist in the operation.

This joint effort, coordinated by MRCC Mumbai with the Indian Navy, ensured the patient’s safe and prompt evacuation, emphasized the official.