Coast Guard Rushes Help to Ship on Fire in Bay of Bengal

New Delhi, Apr 3 (UNI) A hovercraft of the Indian Coast Guard was rushed yesterday to assist the Shipping Corporation of India's passenger vessel MV Nicobar while it was on way from Port Blair to Kolkata carrying a 1,137-strong complement on board.

An official spokesman here today said an SOS was received from MV Nicobar after a fire broke out in its engine room. However, the fire was brought under control after an hour-long effort by the crew members and passengers before the Coast Guard vessel could provide succour.

Today another Indian Coast Guard Hovercraft carrying SCI support/technical staff sailed for repair assistance to the vessel which was carrying 1026 passengers and 111 crew. No casualty had been reported so far, the spokesman said.

Meanwhile, Indian Coast Guard Ship 'Sucheta Kriplani' and CG Dornier Aircraft have also been tasked to render assistance.

Indian Coast Guard ships and aircraft were constantly monitoring the progress while the CG Hovercraft was in close vicinity of the SCI vessel for immediate assistance.

UNI DG PK BD1852