Indian Navy's Heroic Rescue: Chinese Mariner Airlifted Amid High Seas

The Indian Navy successfully conducted a medical evacuation of a critically injured Chinese mariner from a bulk carrier off Mumbai. Despite perilous conditions, the mariner was airlifted by a naval helicopter and transported to a hospital for treatment.

On Tuesday, July 23, the Indian Navy executed a daring medical evacuation of a Chinese mariner from a bulk carrier positioned off the coast of Mumbai. The Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre (MRCC), Mumbai, received the distress call reporting heavy blood loss due to a critical injury on the vessel ZHONG SHAN MEN, located around 370 kilometers from Mumbai.

In response to the emergency, a Seeking helicopter took off from Indian Naval Air Station INS Shikra at 0550 hours. Battling adverse conditions with winds exceeding 45 knots and significant ship rolling, the pilot executed a precise airlift from the bridge wing due to the lack of clear areas on the deck. Despite the challenges, the patient was safely transported back to the air station and promptly shifted to a hospital for further medical management.

The operation was further supported by the Indian Coast Guard Ship ICGS Samrat, which was redirected to provide additional assistance. This coordinated effort by the MRCC and Indian Navy culminated in the successful and timely rescue of the injured mariner.