Shaurya Chakra for Mumbai-based Navy pilot Commander Kasutubh Gosavi

MUMBAI: Commander Kasutubh Gosavi, a Mumbai-based Navy pilot, has been awarded the Shaurya Chakra for saving 15 lives during various helicopter search and rescue missions.

"During the month of July last year, the officer was involved in four separate gallant and courageous acts wherein he was successful in saving lives of 15 personnel in a short span of 16 days," an official statement said.

"On July 3, 2014, 842 Squadron was tasked to undertake medical evacuation of a patient who was suffering acute abdominal pain onboard MV Star Eagle.

"The officer whilst navigating through adverse weather, low visibility, rains and strong winds, winched up the patient after ascertaining his medical condition from doctor and successfully evacuated the Philippine national to base. The patient was subsequently transferred to hospital for immediate surgery thereby saving his life," the statement said.

On July 14, a distress message was received from MV Priyanka that the ship was grounded off Revdanda close to Mumbai and was listing dangerously, thereby endangering the lives of crew onboard.

"The officer flew through the prevalent inclement rainy weather along with heavy swell and strong seas in the area with continuous rains which was reportedly the cause of this marine accident," it said.

"As Captain of aircraft, Commander Gosavi exhibited superior professional competence and leadership traits and employed his outstanding flying skills to affect rescue of all 11 crew members of MV Priyanka," it said.

Shaurya Chakra is a military decoration awarded for valour, courageous action or self-sacrifice while not engaged in direct action with the enemy.