Navy Airlifts Indian Crew Member from Singapore-Flagged Tanker Off Kochi
Indian Navy's Seaking helicopter carrying out medical evacuation from tanker Eagle Veracruz. Image Courtesy: Indian Navy
Demonstrating its high level of preparedness and commitment to maritime safety, the Indian Navy carried out a daring medical evacuation of an Indian seafarer, who was on board the Singapore-flagged tanker Eagle Veracruz, in rough monsoon conditions off the Kochi coast.
The mission was coordinated through the Information Fusion Centre–Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR).
What prompted the Navy’s emergency response?
On 13 June 2025, a medical emergency alert was received from the Singapore-flagged oil tanker Eagle Veracruz. The distress message, relayed by the Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR), reported a critical health situation involving a 41-year-old Indian crew member on board the vessel.
How did the Indian Navy respond?
Acting swiftly, the Indian Navy launched a Seaking helicopter from INS Garuda in Kochi to execute the evacuation. The helicopter braved low visibility. Simultaneously, INS Sharda was diverted to the area to provide additional support and backup for the operation.
Were there any challenges during the rescue?
The evacuation was carried out under challenging monsoon conditions, including poor visibility and the absence of a suitable landing zone on the tanker. Despite these constraints, the Navy crew conducted a precision winching operation, safely airlifting the patient from the deck of the vessel, the Indian Navy said.
Was the evacuation successful?
The patient was successfully winched up and airlifted by the Seaking helicopter. On reaching INS Garuda, the seafarer was transferred to a hospital in Kochi for further medical treatment. His condition at the time of transfer was reported as stable.
What does the IFC-IOR do?
The Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR), based in Gurugram, India, is a maritime security hub established by the Indian Navy to enhance maritime domain awareness and coordination among regional partners.
Operational since 2018, it facilitates real-time information sharing on shipping traffic, maritime incidents, and potential threats across the Indian Ocean. With liaison officers from over a dozen partner nations and linkages to more than 50 countries and multinational agencies, IFC-IOR plays a pivotal role in fostering collaborative responses to emergencies, piracy, smuggling, and humanitarian crises at sea.
