First responder: Navy executes high-stakes medevac for oil rig worker deep in Arabian Sea

NEW DELHI: Reaffirming its role as the Indian Ocean Region's primary first responder, the Indian Navy on Wednesday successfully evacuated a 42-year-old worker suffering from critical cardiac complications from an offshore rig.In a precision operation at first light, an Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) from INS Garuda, the oldest operating air station of the Navy in Kochi, successfully evacuated the worker during a mission conducted 110 km off the coast of Kerala coast. The emergency call originated from the Oil Rig Greatdrill Chaaya, located in the deep waters of the Arabian Sea.The emergency involved the 42-year-old individual who was “reported to be suffering from cardiac complications requiring immediate evacuation”, a spokesperson of the Navy said."Upon reaching the oil rig, the patient's condition was assessed by the onboard medical team and he was airlifted to Kochi,” the Navy statement said.The helicopter landed at 7.02 am, and the patient was handed over to shore-based medical authorities for further treatment.“This operation underscores IndianNavy’s unwavering commitment to maritime safety and its readiness to render assistance during emergencies at sea with speed, precision, and professionalism,” the southern naval command posted.The Indian Navy had conducted such daring rescue operations earlier too. In June last year, INS Tabar had responded to a distress call from the Palau-flagged tanker in the North Arabian Sea, rescuing 14 Indian crew members and extinguishing a major fire.