Coming to the rescue of a crew member of a Pakistani fishing vessel who suffered major injuries involving multiple fractures and blood loss, Indian Navy's Mission Deployed stealth frigate INS Trikand, operating in the Central Arabian Sea, offered critical medical care to him.
INS Trikand intercepted a distress call from an Iranian dhow Al Omeedi approximately 350 nautical miles east of the Oman coast. Upon investigation, it was found that a crew member of the dhow sustained injuries to his fingers while working on the engine and was in critical condition. It was also found that he was transferred to another dhow named FV Abdul Rehman Hanzia which consisted of a crew of 11 Pakistani nationals and five Iranians, and was en route to Iran.
The Medical Officer of INS Trikand, along with a team comprising MARCOS (Marine Commandos) and the Ship's Boarding Team, boarded the FV to administer medical aid.
After providing local anaesthesia, the ship's medical team performed suturing and splinting on the injured fingers.
The surgical procedure, which lasted for over three hours, was successfully completed, and bleeding was controlled in time, preventing potential permanent loss of the injured fingers due to gangrene.
Besides, medical supplies, including antibiotics, were provided to the FV to ensure the crew's well-being until they reached Iran.
“The entire crew expressed their deep gratitude to the Indian Navy for the timely assistance in saving their crewmate's life,” the defence ministry said in a release.
