Indian Coast Guard Evacuates Mexican National Facing Medical Emergency Off Goa Coast

Panaji: A Mexican national’s life was saved thanks to the prompt action of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) after he suffered a heart attack onboard a passenger vessel off the Goa coast.

The incident unfolded on Monday evening when the Coast Guard received a distress call from the cruise ship Celebrity Millennium, located roughly 40 kilometres from the shore. A 53-year-old Mexican passenger, identified as Fernando Cruz Mendez, had suffered a heart attack, prompting the vessel to alter its course towards Mumbai for medical assistance.

Promptly responding to the emergency, the ICG diverted their Ship C-158, which was on patrol duty nearby. By 9:30 pm, the C-158 reached the Celebrity Millennium, and the medical team, accompanied by the patient’s wife, facilitated the safe transfer of Mendez and a medical attendant back to shore.

The vessel arrived at Mormugao harbour by 11:30 pm, where the patient was handed over to waiting medical personnel for further treatment.