Malpe: Tender process begins for long-awaited sea ambulance

Team Udayavani, Oct 6, 2024, 9:30 AM IST

The Fisheries Department has initiated the tender process for the purchase of sea ambulances, a long-standing demand of fishermen. The sea ambulance will be used for emergency rescue operations when accidents occur at sea.

Fishermen have been requesting this service for several years, and the matter was raised during legislative sessions. Plans are underway to station these sea ambulances at Mangalore in Dakshina Kannada district, Malpe in Udupi district, and Tadadi port in Uttara Kannada district. It is reported that Rs. 7 crore will be spent on three ambulances.

Lack of Timely Medical Aid

The coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Uttara Kannada are heavily dependent on fishing. Fishermen, who constantly work in dangerous conditions at sea, have often met with accidents. In many cases, they have lost their lives due to a lack of timely medical intervention.

Medical Equipment on Board

The sea ambulance will be equipped to provide immediate medical assistance to fishermen or members of the public facing emergencies at sea. Each ambulance can accommodate five patients, with the boat itself outfitted for treatment. Equipment on board will include an ECG, bag and mask ventilation device, pulse oximeter, stretcher, refrigerated mortuary unit, rescue personnel, and oxygen cylinders, among other medical supplies.

“A Demand Fulfilled”

“We have been pressing for sea ambulances for the past 7-8 years. When accidents happen at sea, by the time we bring injured fishermen ashore, they often lose their lives. It feels like our long-standing demand has finally been acknowledged,” said Jaya C. Kotian, President of the Karnataka Coastal Fishermen’s Action Committee.

“These sea ambulances will primarily serve medical purposes. According to the department’s plan, services will be launched in the three coastal districts. The tender process has begun, and within a few months, the new ambulances will be operational at sea,” said Vivek R., Joint Director of the Fisheries Department.