Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (MS)

Udupi, Oct 6: The fisheries department has called for tenders to purchase three sea ambulances, fulfilling a long-standing demand of deep-sea fishermen for emergency rescue services during mid-sea mishaps.

The three sea ambulances will be stationed at Mangaluru in Dakshina Kannada, Malpe in Udupi, and Tadadi in Uttara Kannada. The estimated cost for the ambulances is Rs 7 crore.

Large-scale fishing is carried out from the ports of Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Uttara Kannada. There have been numerous instances where fishermen have lost their lives in the mid-sea due to the lack of emergency ambulance services.

Each sea ambulance will have the capacity to accommodate five patients and provide urgent medical attention. Medical treatment will be administered on the boat itself.

The sea ambulances will be equipped with essential medical devices such as ECG machines, bag and mask ventilation devices, pulse oximeters, stretchers, refrigeration units for mortuary purposes, guards, and oxygen cylinders.

Jaya C Kotian, president of the Karnataka Coastal Fishermen’s Action Committee, said, “We have been demanding sea ambulances for the past seven to eight years. If fishermen face mishaps mid-sea, their lives are often lost before they can be brought to shore for treatment. Now, our demand has been fulfilled.”

Vivek R, joint director of the fisheries department, said, “Sea ambulances are primarily used for medical emergencies. According to the department’s plan, they will start functioning in the three districts. The tender process has begun, and the sea ambulances will be operational within a few months.”