Prompt Coast Guards rescue 19 sailors
18 Indians, an Ethiopian national were on the vessel which sent a distress call
In a swift rescue coordinated operation on Friday, The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) successfully rescued 19 lives at sea including 18 Indians and an Ethiopian national from Motor Tanker Parth, a Gabon flagged vessel off Ratnagiri coast in Maharashtra.
According to the Coast Guard, the vessel reported flooding at about 9:23 am around 41 miles west of Ratnagiri coast. The vessel was on passage to New Mangalore from Khor Fakkan, UAE.
“Within minutes of receipt of the distress call from the vessel. Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre Mumbai Mumbai swung into action. Two Coast Guard ships ICGS Sujeet and ICGS Apoorva - patrolling around the area, were diverted to the casualty ship," the ICG said in a statement.
“International Safety Net and warnings were relayed to alert other Merchant Vessels in the area. CG advanced light helicopter was deployed. Merchant Vessel Wadi Bani Khalid was also directed to assist the CG vessel. The vessel carrying Asphalt Bitumen 3911 MT experienced flooding in water ballast tanks and the crew abandoned it thinking it would sink. Coast Guard ship Sujeet and CG Advanced Light Helicopter arrived in the area and rescue operations were undertaken,” says an official statement.
The owners of the vessels have been requested to augment for preventive measures for marine pollution. Director General of Shipping has mobilised an emergency towing vessel to proceed to the area. The swiftness and professionalism of the Coast Guard in responding to distress call has resulted in saving more than 11000 lives till now,” the statement said.