The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) rescued 22 precious lives in Arabian sea, 185 km from Porbandar coast in Gujarat after a distress alert was received at 08:00 am on Wednesday. All 22 crew (20 Indian, 01 Pakistani & 01 Sri Lankan) are safe and being brought to Porbandar.
At about 08:20 am, 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 stakeholders. Despite adverse weather conditions, one Dornier aircraft was launched from Indian Coast Guard Air Station Porbandar at 09:00 am 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. ICG Ship Shoor, CG Offshore Patrol Vessel (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 & Rescue (SAR) configuration for any eventuality. The crew after failing to arrest flooding, abandoned the vessel in life raft at around 10:45 am. The helicopters operated closer 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, 01 Pakistani & 01 Sri Lankan) were successfully rescued.
Vessel was on way from Khor Fakkan (UAE) – Karwar (India), carrying 6000 Ton of Bitumen. MV FOS Athens and MV Sydney were also diverted to assist ICG in the operations by Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre (MRCC), Mumbai.