Medical Evacuation of Patients from Lakshadweep and Minicoy Islands by Indian Navy

Medical Evacuation of Patients from Lakshadweep and Minicoy Islands by Indian Navy

A request from Lakshadweep and Minicoy Administration was received at Head Quarters Southern Naval Command, Kochi for medical evacuation of two critically ill patients from Kiltan Island to Kochi on the evening of 23 Jun 16. The two patients at Kiltan Island included a nine months old baby girl with a broken hand and a 70 years old lady with a hip bone fracture.

Accordingly, an Advanced Light Helicopter was launched at first light on 24 Jun 16 from INAS (Indian Naval Air Station) Garuda, Kochi. The helicopter braved rough and squally weather enroute to Kiltan and evacuated both the patients along with the baby girl’s parents to Agatti. Meanwhile, a Navy Dornier aircraft was positioned at Agatti. The patients and attendants were transferred to the Dornier and flown to Kochi.

The operation involved detailed planning because of the large distances for flying over sea in adverse monsoon conditions. The Lakshadweep Administration and Naval Officer in Charge (Lakshadweep & Minicoy) provided crucial support.

The helicopter was flown by Lieutenant Colonel YK Ajit Singh, Lieutenant Commander SS Dash and RK Sharma POACM (D). The Dornier aircraft was flown by Commander VV Mani and Lieutenant RC Vishnu.