The Indian Navy carried out a rescue mission in adverse weather condition off the coast of Kochi and airlifted a Filipino crew member of a merchant vessel after his health deteriorated due to suspected corona. He was admitted to naval hospital for treatment in Kochi.
Giving details here on Wednesday, navy officials said Michel John Abaygar, the Chief Officer of the vessel MV Lyric Poet, was evacuated using an Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) by the Southern Naval Command (SNC) on Tuesday. The ship was en route to Machong from Gibraltar.
The Navy got an input at about 4 PM regarding suspected Covid-19 positive case of a Filipino male crew from Coast Guard headquarters. The vessel’s local agent intimated that the medical condition of the Chief Officer, Michel John Abaygar was severely deteriorating with depleting oxygen levels and required immediate medical evacuation.
An ALH was immediately launched from INS Garuda to undertake the medical evacuation. “The pilots of the helicopter displaying tremendous skill and professionalism successfully completed the mission in adverse weather conditions and ensured safe evacuation of the patient,” the Navy spokesperson said.
