Indian Coast Guard's Midnight MEDEVAC Saves Fisherman with Severe Burns

A midnight MEDEVAC by the Indian Coast Guard rescued a severely burned fisherman 183 km east of Kakinada. The swift operation underscored the ICG's commitment to protecting lives at sea.

In a promptly executed Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) operation at midnight on Wednesday, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) ship rescued a 21-year-old Indian fisherman named Thiru. Cheeranjeevi from IFB Sengalamman. The Tamil Nadu-registered vessel, positioned 183 km East of Kakinada, had reported that the fisherman sustained thirty percent second-degree burns on his left arm and leg.

The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Chennai was alerted at 1400 hrs on August 6 by the Assistant Director of Fisheries, Chennai, regarding the emergency onboard IFB Sengalamman, which had left Chennai for a fishing expedition with 12 crew members. Upon receiving the distress call, ICG Ship Samudra Paheredar, which was on patrol, was immediately redirected to provide assistance. Concurrently, ICG Station Kakinada arranged necessary medical support for the patient's arrival.

By 2230 hrs on August 6, ICG Ship Samudra Paheredar reached the scene and evacuated the injured fisherman along with two attendants. The Medical Officer onboard administered initial treatment, stabilizing the patient. Subsequently, the injured fisherman was transferred to ICG Ship C-430 for onward passage to Kakinada. The vessel docked at Kakinada at 0800 hrs, where the patient was then transferred to Government Hospital Kakinada for further medical care. This timely MEDEVAC operation highlights the ICG's unwavering commitment to assisting distressed fishermen, in line with its motto 'Vayam Rakshamah,' meaning 'WE PROTECT.'