Kendrapada: The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) on Monday evacuated a critically ill Indian mariner displaying symptoms of cardiac arrest from a Liberia-flagged container vessel in the Bay of Bengal, approximately 15 nautical miles off Paradip. The 21-year-old vessel had departed from Kolkata on June 1 bound for Colombo when a 39-year-old crew member, identified as A B Venkatesh Krishnan from Tamil Nadu, experienced a medical emergency.
Distress Call and Response
A distress call from the ship’s master was received around 2 am on Sunday, requesting urgent medical assistance. The coast guard promptly established communication with the vessel and provided telemedicine support. Based on the symptoms and the crew member’s medical history, a doctor advised immediate evacuation, according to a coast guard officer in Paradip.
Evacuation Operation
Interceptor boat ICGS C-158, equipped for medical emergencies, was deployed from Paradip. Braving rough sea conditions, the team rendezvoused with the vessel and safely evacuated the patient. Onboard first aid was administered before the boat rushed back to Paradip port. The mariner was later handed over to a local agent for further specialized treatment.
