Coast Guard rescues eight crew members of distressed ship

Mumbai Dec 25: In yet another life-saving mission, Indian Coast Guard (ICG) this evening rescued eight crew members of a cargo vessel which suffered crack on the hull off the Murud coast near here.

Coast Guard Ship Samrat, on patrol duty, received a distress alert at about 06.45 PM from the crew of the dhow, MSV Sarojini, which was 12 NM (20km) west of Murud, about 50km south of Mumbai.

The vessel was on passage from Porbandar to Beypore (Kerala) carrying 430 tonnes of soda ash with eight crew (all from Gujarat), a Coast Guard spokesperson said in a release.

The ship experienced crack on the hull and its engine room started flooding. On receiving the message, ICGS Samrat proceeded for rescue operation and intimated Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, Mumbai as well as Coast Guard Regional Headquarters (West) about the exercise.

ICGS Samrat also coordinated with MT Harsh Prem, which was about 14 NM (25km) from the distressed vessel.

MT Harsh Prem arrived in vicinity of the distressed vessel first, but the shallow waters, restricted its movement. In the meantime, ICGS Samrat reached the scene of action at about 9 pm.

After thoroughly briefing the crew of MSV Sarojini regarding the rescue plan, ICGS Samrat dispatched its safety boat.

Braving the night and weather conditions, all eight crew of the ill-fated MSV were safely rescued and brought onboard ICGS Samrat, the release said.

All crew members were examined by the medical team of Coast Guard and found to be fit. The dhow is being monitored by ICGS Samrat and rescued crew are being brought to Mumbai, the spokesperson said.

PTI