New Delhi, October 28, 2025: In a remarkable display of courage and coordination, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has successfully executed a long-range medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) of a critically injured Iranian fisherman from a dhow stranded in the Arabian Sea, about 1,500 km west of Kochi.
The rescue operation began after the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Mumbai received an emergency alert from its counterpart, MRCC Chabahar in Iran, reporting a medical emergency and engine failure onboard the Iranian fishing vessel Al-Owais.
According to officials, the vessel’s master, Mr. Allah Baksh, sustained serious injuries to both eyes and deep lacerations on his right ear following an explosion during fuel transfer to the generator. With limited resources onboard and no propulsion, the crew of five was stranded in rough seas, prompting a swift international coordination effort.
Recognizing the urgency, MRCC Mumbai activated the International Safety Net (ISN) to alert nearby ships and mobilize rescue assistance. The ICG Ship Sachet, which was returning from an overseas deployment to East Africa, was immediately tasked to render support.
In a coordinated effort, a Marshall Islands-flagged tanker, MT STI Grace, en route from Kuwait to Moroni (Comoros), was diverted around 0210 hours on October 27, 2025, to reach the distressed dhow. The tanker successfully rendezvoused with Al-Owais at 1000 hours, embarked the injured sailor, and provided tele-medical first aid and stabilization under the guidance of ICG medical experts.
Following stabilization, MRCC Mumbai directed the tanker to alter its course southwest to meet ICG Ship Sachet for the patient’s transfer. Despite challenging sea conditions, the transfer operation was successfully completed at 0927 hours on October 28, 2025.
The injured fisherman is now receiving ongoing medical care onboard ICG Ship Sachet, which is proceeding toward Goa for advanced treatment.
This complex and high-risk rescue highlights the Indian Coast Guard’s unwavering commitment to maritime safety and humanitarian assistance beyond national borders, reaffirming India’s role as a credible and dependable maritime search and rescue agency in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
