Coast Guard in successful medical evacuation of Algerian sailor

Coast Guard in successful medical evacuation of Algerian sailor

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Nov 24, 2015 ; As per reliable reports,  Indian Coast Guard successfully undertook medical evacuation of an Algerian national from LNG carrier MT Mubaraz. The Liberian flagged vessel was on its voyage from Das Island, UAE to Tokyo. The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, Mumbai on November 21 received a telephone call from UK Coast Guard that the Liberian flagged vessel required immediate medical evacuation of the 51-year-old Algerian crew member.

Ali Chemoune, the crew member had suffered a stroke and was in a critical condition with no movement and no feeling on the right side of his body. Responding to the SOS, Indian Coast Guard regional headquarters (West), Kochi directed Indian Coast Guard District HQ, Kochi to undertake medical evacuation. After coordination with the captain of the LNG carrier and the vessel agent, the Coast Guard authorities directed that the vessel head towards Kochi.

In the meanwhile, preparations were made at the Coast Guard air enclave for evacuation by helicopter once the medical advice on the sailor was worked out. As the LNG carrier did not have any landing space and winching area had obstruction, the evacuation of the immobile patient was extremely challenging. Medical officer of INHS Sanjivani provided first aid to the sailor on board the LNG Carrier, Commandant Gulwinder Singh, PRO, CG HQ 3, Karnataka stated.

Considering the patient’s condition, the mission was undertaken in the shortest possible time with the helicopter hovering low over the desk facilitating evacuation. Ali Chemoune was brought safely to INS Garuda at 4.30pm by the Coast Guard helicopter and subsequently shifted to the Medical Trust Hospital in Kochi for further medical management. Commandant Gulwinder said MRCC works in close coordination with other Coast Guards across the world.