Coast Guard Ship Savitribai Phule rescues 8 crew members of ill-fated vessel

Coast Guard Ship Savitribai Phule rescues 8 crew members of ill-fated vessel

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Dec 16, 2017: Indian Coast Guard Ship Savitribai Phule (Mangalore based ship) on Friday, 15 December 2017, coordinated rescue of all the 08 crew members of MSV Sumithra, which sank off the Androth Island in Lakshadweep.

No. 12 Coast Guard District Headquarters (Kavaratti) informed ICGS Savitribai Phule on 15 December 2017 that MSV Sumithra with 240 metric tonnes of cargo consisting of bricks, cement and vegetables was drifting 70 Nautical Miles East of Androth Island since AM 13 December 2017. The vessel had sailed from Beyport Port.

Immediately, the search and rescue operations were launched by ICGS Savitribai Phule and the ship headed towards the indicated position. Sea-Air coordinated search was also undertaken with Indian Navy aircraft in area. The weather conditions were rough. MSV Sumithra sank due to engine failure, heavy winds and huge waves 30 nautical miles off Androth, before it could be located by the ICG Ship.

 

All the 08 crew of MSV Sumithra were safely picked up by MT Gaschem Norsee, which was transiting from the area. ICGS Savitribai Phule rendezvoused the Motor Tanker PM 15 December 2017 and took all the 08 crew members of MSV Sumithra onboard using Gemini (Boat) despite rough weather conditions and dark hour.

They were provided with medical assistance, food and water. All the crew members were observed to be stable. Thereafter, the ICG ship entered Androth Port and handed over the recued crew members of MSV Sumithra to the local administration AM 16 December 2017.

 
On completion of the rescue operation, Deputy Inspector SS Dasila, TM, Commander, Coast Guard Karnataka stated, “Enhanced operational efficiency and readiness maintained by our ships has resulted in rescue of precious lives at sea. Effective sharing of information and co-ordination amongst various stake-holders is the key for any SAR (Search and Rescue) effort for fishermen in distress at sea. Units of ICG at sea are ever ready to produce corresponding results for safeguarding our Maritime Interests".