VASCO
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) successfully evacuated an Indian passenger from the Italian-flagged cruise liner Costa Serena, approximately 80 nautical miles off the coast of Goa on Thursday.
The cruise liner raised an alert at approximately 3.20 pm on Thursday requesting medical assistance for an Indian passenger onboard experiencing heart related ailment.
Recognising the urgency of the situation, the ICG Maritime Rescue Sub Coordination Centre (MRSC) at Goa promptly launched and coordinated the operation.
Costa Serena was directed to alter the course and proceed towards Goa for quick transfer of the patient to land-based medical facilities. Simultaneously, an ICG Interceptor boat C-158 which was already present in the area was immediately pressed into action.
The rendezvous between C-158 and Costa Serena took place approximately 30 nautical miles off Goa. With care and expertise, C-158 assisted by the cruise ship's medical personnel, safely transferred the patient, along with his wife and accompanying nurse.
Maintaining maximum speed and priority status, C-158 entered Mormugao Port Authority, Goa by 8.30 pm. The patient was immediately handed over to a waiting ambulance in a stable condition for swift onward transfer to a specialised medical facility at Manipal Hospital, Panaji.
