In a notable display of humanitarian commitment, the Indian Coast Guard carried out a swift medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) to save the life of a Pakistani merchant ship captain who suffered a severe cardiac emergency while at sea.
The incident involved Badar Hasnain, a 60-year-old Pakistani national and master of the merchant vessel MV Haykal, which was en route to Gopalpur, Odisha, when he suddenly collapsed after suffering a heart stroke.
Rapid Response by MRCC Chennai
Following an urgent distress call, the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC), Chennai, promptly coordinated the medical evacuation, underscoring the Coast Guard’s readiness to respond irrespective of nationality. The vessel was advised to divert towards Visakhapatnam for immediate medical assistance.
On 13 July, with support from the Vizag Port authorities, the ailing captain was safely disembarked using a pilot boat and rushed to Queen’s NRI Hospital.
Medical Care and Stabilisation
Doctors at the hospital provisionally diagnosed Captain Hasnain with Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy, a serious condition caused by oxygen deprivation to the brain, often linked to cardiac events. He was admitted for intensive inpatient treatment and monitoring.
Following timely medical intervention, his condition stabilised. Officials confirmed that the captain is scheduled to return to Pakistan via the Attari-Wagah border, bringing the rescue operation to a successful close.
Humanitarian Gesture Amid Tensions
The Indian Coast Guard publicly acknowledged the operation through an official statement, highlighting the seamless coordination between maritime authorities and medical services. The captain’s family, including his daughter, expressed deep gratitude to the Indian government, the Coast Guard and the medical team for their swift and compassionate response.
Reported by ANI, the episode has been widely noted as a rare moment of cross-border humanitarian cooperation, transcending geopolitical sensitivities between India and Pakistan.
Continuing Mission of Saving Lives at Sea
Following the evacuation, MV Haykal continued its voyage under the supervision of its crew, with no further complications reported.
Officials noted that such rescues are a routine part of the Indian Coast Guard’s mandate, as it regularly assists mariners in distress across the Indian Ocean Region, regardless of flag or nationality. However, this operation stands out for reaffirming the universal maritime principle that saving human life at sea takes precedence above all else.
