ICG Rescues Iranian Fisherman 1,500 Km at Sea

In a remarkable display of maritime rescue capability, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) successfully carried out a long-range medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) of a critically injured Iranian fisherman from a fishing dhow approximately 1,500 km west of Kochi, Kerala, in the Arabian Sea.The incident occurred onboard the Iranian fishing dhow Al-Owais, which had a five-member crew. The vessel’s master, identified as Allah Baksh, sustained serious facial injuries—including damage to both eyes and a deep cut on his right ear—following an explosion during fuel transfer to the boat’s generator.

Upon receiving an alert from the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Chabahar, Iran, the MRCC Mumbai immediately activated the International Safety Net (ISN) to alert nearby vessels. The ICG diverted its offshore patrol vessel ICGS Sachet, which was returning from an overseas deployment, to rendezvous with the dhow.

Meanwhile, the Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker MT STI Grace, en route from Kuwait to Moroni, was also diverted to provide immediate assistance. With tele-medical guidance from ICG medical personnel, the injured fisherman received preliminary treatment onboard the tanker before being safely transferred mid-sea to ICGS Sachet.

The ICG vessel then proceeded toward Goa with the patient for further medical attention. The operation demonstrates the Indian Coast Guard’s long-range maritime rescue and coordination capabilities, underscoring India’s commitment to ensuring safety and humanitarian assistance across the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

Source