Indian Navy swings into action after Filipino crew falls sick of Covid-19 on board MV Lyric Poet

A Philipino male crew suspected of Covid-19 was evacuated on the high seas by Headquarters Southern Naval Command using Advanced Light Helicopter from Merchant Vessel MV Lyric Poet off Kochi. The personnel has been admitted to the Naval Hospital

New Delhi: In a swift coordinated operation, a medical evacuation on the high seas was undertaken by Headquarters Southern Naval Command (SNC) on September 28 using Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), from Merchant Vessel MV Lyric Poet off Kochi, as per press release.

SNC received a tip-off on September 28 at 4pm regarding a Philipino male crew suspected of Covid-19 from Coast Guard Headquarters. The Merchant Vessel's (MV) local agent intimated that 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 (MEDEVAC) from onboard the MV, which was en route from Gibraltor to Machong. The press release stated that evacuation was completed successfully amid adverse weather conditions.

The patient was brought to INS Garuda and transferred to the Naval Hospital, INH S Sanjivini, for further medical assistance adhering to all Covid-19 protocols.