ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Navy said on Saturday it had carried out a long-range medical evacuation in the Indian Ocean, rescuing a critically ill Sri Lankan crew member from a foreign-flagged vessel around 1,500 kilometers off Pakistan’s coast.

The operation was launched after Sri Lanka’s Maritime Rescue Coordination Center requested urgent medical assistance for a crew member aboard MV Grey Palm, an Indonesian-flagged cargo ship operating far from land, according to a statement issued by the navy’s public relations directorate.

“Pakistan Navy Ships TABUK and MOAWIN have successfully conducted medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) of a Sri Lankan national requiring urgent medical attention ... on the high seas at 800 Nautical Miles (approximately 1500 KM) off Pakistan’s coast,” the statement said.

The navy said it deployed its ships as a first responder, evacuated the patient along with an attendant and provided immediate treatment onboard before continuing coordination with Sri Lankan authorities.

“The successful medical evacuation is yet another testament to operational readiness and long-standing commitment of Pakistan for the safety of life at sea, irrespective of nationality,” the statement added.

The rescue follows Pakistan Navy’s involvement in humanitarian operations in Sri Lanka last month after a powerful cyclone triggered flooding and landslides that killed more than 470 people, according to Sri Lankan authorities.

During that mission, Pakistani naval personnel helped evacuate a family stranded on a rooftop for several days and delivered relief supplies to affected communities.