The Indian Navy carried out a life-saving rescue operation from MV Heilan Star, a Panama-flagged cargo ship, about 230 nautical miles west of Goa. The ship had sent a distress call after some crew members suffered severe burns and needed urgent medical help.
The Indian Coast Guard’s Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Mumbai received the emergency alert late on March 20-21. Responding quickly, the Indian Navy sent two ships—INS Vikrant and INS Deepak—to assist.
At sunrise on March 21, a Seaking helicopter from INS Vikrant performed a difficult rescue. It lifted three injured crew members—two Chinese and one Indonesian—from the ship. Sadly, a fourth crew member had already died from severe injuries before help could reach. The rescued crew members were taken to INS Hansa in Goa and then shifted to a hospital for further treatment.
This mission shows the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard’s dedication to saving lives. Their quick action and teamwork prove India’s ability to handle emergency rescues, even far from its shores. (PR)