WATCH: Indian Navy Chopper Rescues Patient From French Cargo Ship Using

The patient was on board the French-flag container carrier about 65 nautical miles from Mumbai port, since there was no place to land the helicopter the patient had to be winched.

The Indian Navy ALH MK III (left) rescues the patient (right) from the French cargo ship. ( Image Source :ANI )

The Indian Navy Indian on Tuesday carried out a mid-sea medical rescue operation off the Mumbai coast. After receiving an alert message, a Naval Advanced Light Helicopter, ALH MK III (MR), was swiftly deployed in an ambulance role from INS Shikra on Tuesday (January 16). According to ANI, the message alerted of a patient suspected to have an ophthalmic or neurological condition on board the French-flag container carrier CMA CGM Palais Royal, which was approximately 65 nautical miles from Mumbai port.

#WATCH | A Naval ALH MK III (MR) was promptly launched on 16 Jan in an ambulance role from INS Shikra upon receipt of an alert message of a patient with suspected Ophthalmic/ Neurological condition onboard French flag container carrier CMA CGM Palais Royal that was about 65 nm… pic.twitter.com/YBDsHvmcaK

— ANI (@ANI) January 17, 2024

Given the lack of a suitable landing spot on the ship, the patient was successfully lifted off the bridge (control room from where all instructions are issued) wing using a rescue basket attached to the helicopter's winch. The helicopter crew skillfully carried out the rescue manoeuvres to ensure the safe retrieval of the patient.

In the absence of a suitable landing spot on the ship, the patient was precisely winched up in a rescue basket from the constrained environment of bridge wing. The mission was completed successfully, and the helicopter landed at INS Shikra with the patient. pic.twitter.com/ozkHAdW9sN

— ANI (@ANI) January 17, 2024

The Naval crew showcased its agility in the aerial rescue operation, successfully completing the mission and transporting the patient to INS Shikra.

According to ANI, ALH MK III aircraft are equipped with state-of-the-art surveillance, communication, safety, and survival equipment, making them a force multiplier at sea as well as ashore.

The INS Shikra's primary role is to provide administrative, technical, and logistic support for all squadrons and flights based in Mumbai. It additionally undertakes coastal patrol, air surveillance in the area, and meets the operational flying requirements of the Western fleet.