In a swift operation, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) evacuated a critical mariner requiring immediate hospitalisation from the vessel MV Evelyn Maersk headed to Suez Canal from Colombo when the vessel was 110 nautical miles from Kochi.
The marine identified as Valid Ola Gilbert, a 55-year-old Filipino, had collapsed aboard the vessel. On Sunday, the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, Mumbai, received information that one of the crew onboard MV Evelyn Maersk had a cardiac attack and required medical evacuation at the earliest.
The vessel was then contacted, provided with telemedical assistance and the evacuation of the distressed mariner was planned. Shortly, the Indian Coast Guard ship, ICGS C-427, set sail from Vizhinjam and after maneuvering the rough seas launched an Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) with medical configuration to carry out the mid-sea medical evacuation 110 nautical miles from Kochi.
However, the safe recovery of the patient was not possible as he could not be shifted to a suitable spot onboard. Since the ALH could not evacuate the patient, the Coast Guard vessel ICGS C-427 braving the extreme sea conditions approached MV Evelyn Maersk, evacuated the patient and proceeded at maximum speed for Vizhinjam harbour.
Post embarkation, the ICG team stabilised the patient enroute to Vizhinjam Harbour with portable oxygen support and medical aid. On arrival at the Vizhinjam harbour, the patient was rushed to NIMS Hospital, Neyyattinkara for further medical management.
