In the early hours of 21 Mar 25, the Indian Navy successfully carried out a critical Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) operation from MV Heilan Star, a Panama-flagged bulk carrier, located about 230 nautical miles West of Goa.
On the night of 20/21 Mar 25, the Indian Coast Guard's Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre(MRCC) at Mumbai informed the Indian Navy of four crew members of MV Heilan Star having sustained severe burn injuries and requiring immediate advanced medical care.
Responding swiftly, the Navy diverted two ships, INS Vikrant and Deepak, from their ongoing deployment to render aid. At first light on 21 Mar 25, a Seaking helicopter from Vikrant carried out a challenging winching operation, to evacuate three injured crew - two Chinese and one Indonesian nationals, from MV Heilan Star.
The fourth crew had, sadly, already succumbed to injuries. The rescued crew were immediately flown to INS Hansa, Goa, from where they transferred to a civil hospital for further medical care.
This operation underscores the Indian Navy's and the Indian Coast Guard’s unwavering commitment to life-saving efforts and swift response to humanitarian assistance, despite challenging circumstances, even beyond national maritime boundaries.