India Defence News, Goa, March 21, 2025 – In a remarkable display of coordination and bravery, the Indian Navy, in collaboration with the Indian Coast Guard, successfully conducted a critical Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) operation in the early hours of March 21, 2025. The operation rescued three injured crew members from the MV Heilan Star, a Panama-flagged bulk carrier situated approximately 230 nautical miles west of Goa in the Arabian Sea.
Swift Response to a Maritime Emergency
The operation was set into motion on the night of March 20-21, when the Indian Coast Guard’s Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Mumbai received a distress call. The report indicated that four crew members aboard the MV Heilan Star had sustained severe burn injuries and were in urgent need of advanced medical attention. Acting promptly, the Indian Navy diverted two of its vessels, the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and the fleet tanker INS Deepak, from their ongoing deployments to assist in the rescue mission.
In the early hours of 21 Mar 25, the Indian Navy successfully carried out a critical Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) operation from MV Heilan Star, a Panama-flagged bulk carrier, located about 230 nautical miles West of Goa.
— PIB India (@PIB_India) March 22, 2025
On the night of 20/21 Mar 25, the Indian Coast Guard's… pic.twitter.com/iN7b2fHLia
Challenging Helicopter Rescue at Dawn
At first light on March 21, a Seaking helicopter launched from INS Vikrant executed a complex winching operation under challenging conditions. The helicopter successfully evacuated three injured crew members—two Chinese nationals and one Indonesian—from the deck of the MV Heilan Star.
Tragically, the fourth crew member had succumbed to their injuries before the rescue could be completed. The rescued personnel were immediately airlifted to INS Hansa in Goa, where they were transferred to a civilian hospital for further treatment.
A Testament to Maritime Commitment
This high-stakes operation highlights the Indian Navy and Coast Guard’s unwavering dedication to humanitarian assistance and maritime safety, even beyond India’s territorial waters. The seamless coordination between the two forces ensured a rapid response, underscoring their capability to handle emergencies in the vast expanse of the Arabian Sea.
Broader Implications for Maritime Security
The successful MEDEVAC from the MV Heilan Star, reported as of March 30, 2025, adds to a series of notable rescue missions conducted by India’s maritime forces this year. It reinforces India’s role as a key responder to international maritime emergencies, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and collaboration in safeguarding lives at sea, regardless of nationality or location.