Navy and Coast Guard Conduct Joint Rescue of Injured Crew Members Off Goa Coast

Three foreign crew members from a Panama-flagged bulk carrier were rescued after suffering severe burn injuries. The Indian Navy and Coast Guard conducted the operation off the Goa coast. Officials reported that the injured included two Chinese nationals and one Indonesian national from MV Heilan Star. Unfortunately, a fourth crew member did not survive the injuries.

The Indian Coast Guard's Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Mumbai alerted the Indian Navy about the situation on the night of March 20. Four crew members aboard MV Heilan Star had sustained severe burns and needed urgent medical attention. The vessel was located approximately 230 nautical miles west of Goa.

Joint Rescue Operation by Indian Navy and Coast Guard

The Navy quickly redirected two ships, INS Vikrant and INS Deepak, to assist in the rescue mission. At dawn on March 21, a Seaking helicopter from INS Vikrant executed a challenging winching operation. This operation successfully evacuated the three injured crew members from MV Heilan Star.

After being airlifted, the injured crew were transported to INS Hansa in Goa. From there, they were taken to a civil hospital for further medical treatment. The defence ministry highlighted this operation as an example of the Indian Navy's and Coast Guard's dedication to saving lives, even under difficult conditions beyond national waters.

Commitment to Humanitarian Assistance

This joint effort demonstrates the unwavering commitment of both the Indian Navy and Coast Guard to providing humanitarian assistance. Their swift response ensured that those in need received timely medical care despite challenging circumstances.

The successful evacuation underscores the importance of international cooperation in maritime rescue operations. It also highlights India's readiness to assist vessels in distress within its maritime boundaries.

The coordinated efforts of these agencies reflect their dedication to life-saving missions. Such operations are crucial for ensuring safety at sea and providing aid to those in peril.