Indian Coast Guard Rescues 20 Crew Members From Stranded Cargo Ship Off Andhra Coast
In a high-risk maritime operation, the Indian Coast Guard successfully evacuated 20 crew members from a cargo ship stranded off the Andhra Pradesh coast in the aftermath of Cyclone Arnab.
High-Stakes Maritime Rescue Off Andhra Coast
In a high-risk operation executed amid turbulent seas, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) successfully rescued all 20 crew members from a Singapore-bound merchant vessel stranded off the coast of Andhra Pradesh. The operation concluded within 24 hours of the distress signal, averting a major marine disaster in the wake of the very severe cyclonic storm 'Arnab'.
The vessel, the Marshall Islands-flagged bulk carrier MV Sigma Pearl, found itself immobilized due to a sudden engine failure while navigating through the Ravva oilfield near Antarvedi. According to maritime authorities, the ship had recently unloaded its cargo at Visakhapatnam port and was beginning its return journey to Singapore when it ran into severe weather conditions generated by the approaching cyclone.
Cyclone Impact and Stranding
Cyclone 'Arnab' crossed the Andhra Pradesh coastline with maximum sustained wind speeds reaching up to 135 kmph, packing violent gusts and torrential rain. The tempest triggered massive swells in the Bay of Bengal, severely compounding the perils faced by the crippled vessel.
With the ship aground and drifting in treacherous waters, the stranded crew members faced mounting danger. Pre-emptive measures and heightened coastal surveillance by the Coast Guard ensured that authorities were promptly alerted to the unfolding crisis.
Coordinated Air and Sea Operation
Mobilizing a swift and robust response, the ICG deployed its Offshore Patrol Vessel Sujay alongside an advanced helicopter unit (ICG Helo). The rescue teams utilized the strategic helipad facility at Mogalthur village in the West Godavari district to stage and coordinate the evacuation efforts.
In a daring airlift operation conducted under grueling weather conditions, rescue personnel successfully transferred all 20 crew members to safety. The operation highlighted the tactical preparedness and disaster response capabilities of the Indian Coast Guard along the eastern seaboard, which reported zero loss of life at sea throughout the cyclone's impact zone.
About Gaurav Sen
Senior Editorial Director & Lead Geopolitical Analyst
Senior Editorial Director and investigative correspondent covering national affairs, international relations, defense, and economic policy for Daily News 365.
