ICG conducts lifesaving night medical evacuation from Lakshadweep to Kochi

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) successfully carried out a nighttime medical evacuation to save a 75-year-old patient from Lakshadweep, officials said on Sunday. The patient, suffering from a serious brain condition called acute subdural hematoma and on oxygen support, was airlifted from Agatti Island to Kochi for urgent treatment.

The operation began late Saturday night after the Agatti airfield had closed , activating the Coast Guard’s distress and emergency response system. A Dornier aircraft was launched from Kochi at 10 pm and landed at Agatti by 11:20 pm . The patient, accompanied by a medical team and spouse, was quickly brought on board, and the aircraft took off within 25 minutes , landing safely at Kochi airport at 1:10 am on Sunday.

The patient was immediately shifted to Amrita Hospital , where they are receiving advanced medical care. Officials said the entire operation, completed within three hours of the initial request , was carried out under challenging pitch-dark conditions , showcasing the exceptional skills of ICG pilots.

This marks the seventh successful medical evacuation conducted by the Coast Guard this year using Dornier aircraft, made possible by specialized night-landing procedures at Agatti Island.