Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 04 September 2023
In a swift and crucial rescue operation, the Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Rajdhwaj successfully evacuated a Filipino Bosun who was experiencing severe abdominal pain while onboard the M.V. Thermopyale. The dramatic rescue unfolded on September 3, 2023, highlighting the vital role played by the Indian Coast Guard in maritime safety and medical emergencies.
The Filipino Bosun required urgent medical attention due to the severity of his abdominal pain. Recognising the urgency of the situation, ICGS Rajdhwaj swiftly initiated the evacuation process.
Following the rescue operation, the Bosun was promptly transported to Campbell Bay, located in the Great Nicobar Islands, where he was admitted to the Primary Health Center (PHC) Campbell Bay for immediate medical treatment. Sources indicate that the Bosun received the necessary medical care at PHC Campbell Bay and has now been referred to Port Blair for further treatment.
To facilitate his journey back to Port Blair, the Bosun is scheduled to be transported via the Indian Air Force (IAF) Dornier Service, which is operated for civilians.
The Great Nicobar Islands, strategically situated just north of a major shipping lane leading to the Malacca Strait, have seen numerous rescue missions conducted by the Coast Guard to aid crew members of various nationalities facing medical emergencies onboard merchant navy vessels. The Malacca Strait, being part of a critical trade route, witnesses the passage of thousands of ships annually, with an estimated 200 ships transiting through it every day.
The successful evacuation of the Filipino Bosun from the M.V. Thermopyale underscores the unwavering commitment of the Indian Coast Guard to maritime safety and its dedication to preserving lives during critical situations at sea.