Alert Navy, ICG ships save vessel headed to Karwar from sinking

Mumbai, June 9: The Western Naval Command's swift and sure response saw yet another merchant vessel (MV) from being saved from distress on Wednesday night.

According to the official information, MV Infinity I, sailing approximately 20 NM off Goa coast, reported water ingress and continuous tilting about 7:30 pm.

Despite desperate de-watering efforts, the MV reported increasingly tilting, which prompted Indian Naval Ship (INS) Trikand from WNC to respond immediately.

"Amidst heavy seas, INS Trikand responded around 9 pm armed with high speed de-watering pumps. The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre was also informed. Coast Guard Ships Amal and Shoor and a tug from Goa were also dispatched for assistance and another naval ship INS Kondul was placed on standby, says a Navy spokesperson from Mumbai.

Helicopters were also prepared for immediate evacuations, if the situation deteriorated. Navy says that MV Infinity I was anchored off Goa coast last night and provided with additional pumps by INS Trikand and CG Ships.

"We managed to pump out the excess water by early morning on Thursday. Although, still listing precariously, the ship is slowly (4-5 Knots of speed) proceeding to Karwar harbour. She is being escorted by INS Trikand and two CG Ships. At current speed, she is expected to reach Karwar Port late on Thursday evening," the spokesperson added.

Navy says the 83-m-long vessel, with 14 Indian crew (including Master) was transiting from Kandla port in Gujarat and proceeding to Karwar, Karnataka when it developed the crack in the hull and started taking in water.

The ship was carrying approximately 1750 tonnes of asphalt and the ship is currently being closely monitored by Naval and Indian Coast Guard officials.

OneIndia News