Indian Coast Guard Rescues 22 Personnel from Sinking Ship

New Delhi. Indian Coast Guard rescued 22 precious lives in Arabian sea, 185 km from Porbandar coast in Gujarat after a distress alert was received at 0800 hrs on July 6. All 22 crew (20 Indian, 01 Pakistani & 01 Sri Lankan) are safe and being brought to Porbandar.

At about 0820 hrs, ICG received distress alert regarding uncontrolled flooding onboard merchant vessel Global King-1. The ship was reportedly 185 km off Porbandar coast. ICG immediately responded and alerted all stake holders. Despite adverse weather conditions, 1 Dornier aircraft was launched from Indian Coast Guard Air Station Porbandar at 0900 hrs for assessment of the situation and relaying of information to the vessels in vicinity. The Dornier on reaching area dropped life raft for the crew. ICGS Shoor, CG OPV already at sea was also directed to immediately reach the area.

The ICG ship braving very rough seas proceeded to the area with maximum speed. The indigenously built twin engine Advanced Light Helicopters from ICG air station Porbandar were also launched in SAR configuration for any eventuality. The crew after failing to arrest flooding, abandoned the vessel in liferaft at around 1045 hrs. The helicopters operated closed to their operational maxima and braved squally weather and strong winds to reach the area. Thereafter in a sea air coordinated effort, all 22 personnel (20 Indian, 1 Pakistani & 1 Sri Lankan) were successfully rescued.

Vessel was on way from Khor Fakkan UAE-Karwar India, carrying 6000 T of Bitumen. MV FOS Athens and MV Sydney were also diverted to assist ICG in the operations by MRCC (Mumbai).