Coast Guard, Navy carry out MEDEVAC mission in rough weather (WATCH)

The Indian Navy and the Coast Guard on Tuesday rescued a suspected Covid-positive Philippines national from a merchant vessel amid adverse weather.

The Southern Naval Command Headquarters received input from the Coast Guard Headquarters at around 4 pm about a suspected Covid-positive case of a Filipino crew member on board Merchant Vessel MV Lyric Poet off Kochi.

An Advanced Light Helicopter of the Indian Navy was scrambled from INS Garuda.

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The merchant vessel's local agent informed that the medical condition of the Chief Officer, Michel John Abaygar was severely deteriorating with oxygen levels dropping and requiring immediate medical evacuation. 

The naval helicopter carried out the medical evacuation in adverse weather. A Navy statement said that the pilots displayed tremendous skill and professionalism, and successfully completed the mission despite unfavourable conditions and ensured safe evacuation of the patient.  

The patient was brought to INS Garuda and transferred to the Naval Hospital, Sanjivini, for further medical assistance.