Indian Navy’s INS Trikand Provides Life-Saving Medical Aid to Pakistani Fisherman in Arabian Sea
April 7, 2025 – Central Arabian Sea
In a striking demonstration of maritime cooperation and humanity transcending borders, the Indian Navy’s frontline warship INS Trikand provided urgent and critical medical assistance to a Pakistani fisherman who had sustained life-threatening injuries while at sea. The incident occurred on the morning of April 4, approximately 350 nautical miles east of the Oman coast, in the Central Arabian Sea.
The crew of INS Trikand, which has been actively operating in the region as part of ongoing maritime security operations, intercepted a distress call from an Iranian dhow named Al Omeedi. Upon contact, naval personnel learned that a crew member on board had suffered severe injuries to his fingers while working on the dhow’s engine. The extent of the injuries was such that the man had sustained multiple fractures and was experiencing significant blood loss, placing him in critical condition.
With limited medical capabilities aboard Al Omeedi, the injured man was transferred to another vessel in the vicinity — a fishing vessel named Abdul Rehman Hanzia. The FV was en route to Iran and carried a multinational crew consisting of 16 personnel: 11 Pakistani nationals (including 9 Baloch and 2 Sindhi fishermen) and 5 Iranian crew members.
Upon receiving the distress call and learning of the crew member’s critical condition, INS Trikand swiftly altered its course to intercept FV Abdul Rehman Hanzia. The urgency of the situation prompted the Indian Navy to deploy a medical response team comprising the ship’s Medical Officer, personnel from the elite MARCOS (Marine Commandos), and the Ship’s Boarding Team. Their objective: to administer on-site life-saving care to the injured fisherman.
Upon boarding the vessel, the Medical Officer quickly assessed the condition of the wounded man, a Pakistani national of Baloch origin. The injuries were extensive. Multiple fingers on one hand had been severely damaged with complex fractures, deep lacerations, and heavy bleeding — raising concerns of potential gangrene and permanent loss of limb function.
Without delay, the Ship’s Medical Team initiated emergency treatment. Local anaesthesia was administered, followed by a painstaking surgical procedure to clean, suture, and splint the damaged fingers. The operation, performed in challenging sea conditions aboard a moving vessel, lasted over three hours. Thanks to the timely intervention and skilled care of the Indian Navy doctors, the bleeding was brought under control, and the risk of infection and long-term complications, including the possible loss of the fingers, was successfully mitigated.
In addition to the emergency surgical care, the medical team also provided the fishing vessel with essential medicines and supplies — including antibiotics and wound care items — to help the injured crew member continue recovery while the vessel completed its journey to Iran. Instructions for further treatment were also communicated to the FV’s crew to ensure continuity of care.
The humanitarian effort did not go unnoticed. The crew of FV Abdul Rehman Hanzia expressed profound gratitude to the Indian Navy for their swift and selfless assistance. According to naval sources, the appreciation from the Pakistani and Iranian crew members was heartfelt, with several of them acknowledging that the intervention had likely saved their crewmate’s life.
This act of compassion and professionalism highlights the Indian Navy’s commitment to maritime safety and its longstanding tradition of extending aid to those in distress, regardless of nationality. The Central Arabian Sea, a vital conduit for international trade and fishing activities, sees a high volume of traffic from various nations. In such a dynamic environment, naval forces like INS Trikand play a crucial role not just in maintaining maritime security, but also in rendering humanitarian assistance when needed.
A senior Indian Navy official noted that such missions are a regular part of the Navy’s operational doctrine. “Our ships are always prepared to respond to emergencies at sea — be it piracy, accidents, or medical crises. This incident is another example of our commitment to the safety and well-being of all seafarers in the region.”
INS Trikand is a stealth frigate of the Talwar class, equipped with advanced weapons, sensors, and medical facilities. It is part of India’s Western Naval Command and plays an integral role in ensuring maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region. The vessel’s participation in humanitarian missions also enhances India’s image as a responsible maritime power committed to regional peace and stability.
As FV Abdul Rehman Hanzia continues its voyage to Iranian shores, the injured fisherman now has a renewed chance at recovery — a testament to the professionalism and humanity of the Indian Navy.
This incident serves as a poignant reminder of the shared challenges faced by mariners at sea — and the critical role that international cooperation and goodwill play in addressing them.
