Panaji: Indian Coast Guard rescued an Indian crew member who fell critically ill aboard a Panama-flagged merchant vessel off the Goa coast and brought him ashore for further medical treatment, officials said.Maritime Rescue Sub-Centre (MRSC), Goa, received a distress call on Sept 29 from the 117m general cargo vessel HT Unite, reporting that crew member Manku Appanna was suffering from chest pain and shortness of breath. He subsequently lost consciousness.The vessel, which was transiting Indian waters off Goa, had sailed from Pasir Gudang in Malaysia and was bound for Mundra port.Following the distress call, MRSC diverted ICGS Akshay, a Coast Guard ship patrolling the area, to the vessel’s location. Coast Guard ship met with HT Unite at around 7pm and brought Appanna onboard before proceeding at speed towards Mormugao Port, Vasco.Coast Guard medical personnel continuously monitored his vital signs and provided medical care during the journey.On arrival at Mormugao harbour, Appanna was handed over to the vessel’s agent for further medical management. He is currently in a stable condition, Coast Guard said.On arrival at Mormugao harbour, Appanna was handed over to the vessel’s agent for further medical management. He is currently in a stable condition, the Coast Guard said.
