On October 28, 2025, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) successfully executed a long-distance medical evacuation of a severely injured Iranian fisherman from the fishing dhow Al-Owais, situated approximately 1500 KM west of Kochi in the Arabian Sea. The operation was initiated when the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Mumbai received a distress call from MRCC Chabahar, Iran, regarding a medical emergency and engine failure aboard the Al-Owais. The vessel had five crew members, including Mr. Allah Baksh, the master, who suffered significant eye injuries and deep lacerations to his right ear due to an explosion during fuel transfer to the generator. Recognizing the urgency, MRCC (Mumbai) activated the International Safety Net (ISN) to alert nearby vessels and coordinate assistance.
ICG Ship Sachet, returning from a deployment in East Africa, was instructed to provide immediate aid. Concurrently, the MT STI Grace, a tanker registered in the Marshall Islands and traveling from Kuwait to Moroni (Comoros), was diverted around 0210 hours on October 27, 2025, to assist the distressed dhow. The tanker successfully met with Al-Owais at approximately 1000 hours, took aboard the injured sailor, and provided tele-medical first aid and stabilization with guidance from ICG medical personnel. Following this, MRCC (Mumbai) directed MT STI Grace to proceed southwest to rendezvous with ICG Ship Sachet for the transfer of the patient and further medical care. This transfer was accomplished at 0927 hours on October 28, 2025, despite difficult sea conditions.
The injured fisherman is currently receiving ongoing medical treatment aboard ICG Ship Sachet, which is en route to Goa for additional medical care. This intricate and demanding rescue operation highlights the Indian Coast Guard’s dedication to maritime safety and humanitarian assistance beyond national boundaries, affirming its role as a trustworthy maritime search and rescue agency in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
