New Delhi, July 6 (UNI) Indian Coast Guard on Wednesday rescued all 22 crew of a distressed vessel MT Global King in a swift operation 185 km off Porbandar coast.
All crew, including one Pakistani and one Sri Lankan are safe and healthy. The distressed vessel was facing uncontrolled flooding onboard.
"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," the Coast Guard said in a statement.
Despite adverse weather conditions, one 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, it added.
"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 search and rescue configuration for any eventuality," the statement added.
The crew after failing to arrest flooding, abandoned the vessel in liferaft. Later, in a sea air coordinated effort, all 22 personnel were successfully rescued.
The distressed vessel was on way from Khor Fakkan UAE-Karwar India, carrying 6000 T of Bitumen.
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