In a remarkable demonstration of camaraderie and cooperation, the Sri Lanka Navy promptly responded to a medical emergency involving a senior sailor from the Indian Navy on board INS Sahyadri off the east coast of Sri Lanka. The stricken sailor was expeditiously transported to Trincomalee harbour by INS Sahyadri on December 13, 2023, for urgent medical attention.
The incident transpired during the voyage of INS Sahyadri, which had set sail from Visakhapatnam, encountering a health emergency involving one of its senior sailors. Simultaneously, the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka communicated the urgency of the situation to the Sri Lanka Navy Headquarters, informing them of the impending arrival of the senior sailor at Trincomalee harbour by the evening of December 13. The Indian High Commission sought the assistance of the Sri Lanka Navy in transferring the patient to China Bay, as arrangements were in place for his airlift to India for further medical treatment.
Responding commendably to the request, the Sri Lanka Navy swiftly mobilized a medical team from the Eastern Naval Command Hospital, accompanied by an ambulance, to facilitate the transfer of the patient from Trincomalee harbour to China Bay Airport. Administering crucial first aid, the medical team worked efficiently to ensure the swift transfer of the ailing sailor to China Bay, where an Indian Air Force plane awaited his evacuation to India.
Following the successful transfer of the ailing crew member, INS Sahyadri departed Trincomalee harbour on the same day. This collaborative effort underscores the strong commitment of the Sri Lanka Navy to respond promptly to maritime emergencies within Sri Lanka’s Search and Rescue Region.
