Navy’s Heroic Airlift Saves Critically Ill Child
Four-year-old airlifted from Lakshadweep for urgent surgery.
The Indian Navy airlifted a critically ill four-year-old child from Agatti Island in Lakshadweep to Kochi, ensuring timely medical intervention, officials announced on Thursday. The high-stakes medical evacuation, carried out on August 27 amidst challenging weather conditions, underscores the Navy’s unwavering commitment to humanitarian missions.
The Southern Naval Command received an urgent request from the Lakshadweep Union Territory Administration at 12:30 AM, prompting swift action. A Dornier aircraft from INS Garuda in Kochi was deployed despite adverse weather, reaching Agatti Island to evacuate the child, who required immediate neurosurgery. The aircraft landed in Kochi by 5:45 AM, and the young patient was rushed to a civil hospital for specialized treatment.
“The successful evacuation highlights the Navy’s operational readiness and dedication to serving the nation anytime, anywhere,” a Navy spokesperson said. The mission involved meticulous coordination between the Navy and local authorities, ensuring the child received care within the critical window. The child’s condition, though serious, is now under expert medical supervision, offering hope to the family.
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This operation adds to the Indian Navy’s legacy of life-saving missions in remote regions, reinforcing its role in supporting civilian needs during emergencies. The Lakshadweep administration praised the Navy’s swift response, noting that the airlift was a lifeline for the child and a testament to India’s robust disaster response capabilities.
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