On land, professional medical help for workplace injury is usually within easy reach, but at sea it can be very different.
So it was in late March, south of Sri Lanka, when a local fisherman gashed his right leg while landing a catch. For the fishing vessel “SUN CITY 16”, hospital was five days away, and treatment was needed sooner.
Having been engaged by MRCC Colombo, the Synergy-managed “GEMINI PEARL” diverted from her laden passage to Chennai before rendezvous over 470 nm away at position 00 41 .77 N/078 46 .61 E.
The rescue was executed with quiet precision, and the injured fisherman, with a colleague accompanying him, was brought on board using a stretcher basket. The ship’s crew, under the leadership of Captain A. V. U. Varma, provided immediate care—checking vitals, administering first aid, and ensuring that the men had food, water and warmth.
Reflecting on the operation, Captain Varma said: “Assisting those in distress at sea is a fundamental duty for all mariners. We are grateful that we could aid the injured fisherman, and wish him a swift recovery.”
Acting on MRCC Colombo’s further instruction, the “GEMINI PEARL” then sailed for Hambantota OPL, where a transfer to a Sri Lankan Coast Guard vessel was safely completed, and once released the vessel resumed her original course to Chennai.
We highly commend Captain Varma and the entire crew for exemplifying the highest traditions of seamanship. Their swift action and professionalism are a powerful reminder that the first duty at sea remains unchanged: to aid those in peril, wherever they may be.
