Braving inclement weather conditions, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) personnel rescued eight crew members, all from Gujarat, from dhow MSV Sarojini, 50-km south of the Mumbai coast on Friday night.
Acting on a very high frequency (VHF) distress message from MSV Sarojini at 6.45 pm on Friday, the ICG Ship Samrat, which was on patrol, rushed towards the affected vessel, located 12 nautical miles west of Murud.
MSV Sarojini had developed crack on the hull resulting in flooding in the engine room, when the vessel – laden with 430 tonnes of Soda Ash --nwas on its way from Porbandar to Beypore carrying 430 tonnes of Soda
As it proceeded towards the distressed vessel, ICGS Samrat intimated Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, Mumbai, and Coast Guard Regional Headquarters (West) about the mission it was undertaking.
ICGS Samrat also coordinated with MT Harsh Prem, which was about 14 NM (25 kms), whereas Samrat was 30 NM (55 kms) from the distressed vessel.
MT Harsh Prem arrived in vicinity of the distressed vessel first. However, the shallow waters restricted its movements, as it prepared for the rescue mission.
Meanwhile, ICGS Samrat reached the scene of action at around 9 pm “After briefing the crew of MSV Sarojini regarding the rescue plan, ICGS Samrat dispatched its safety boat for rescue of the stranded crew members of MSV Sarojini. The ICG personnel rescued all eight crew members in the distressed vessel and brought onboard ICGS Samrat,” a defence spokesperson said here on Saturday.
All the rescued crew members have been examined by the ICG’s medical team and found them to be fit. The rescued crew members have been brought to Mumbai. The ICGS Samrat is monitoring the distressed dhow. The ICG has issued safety message to the mariners to avoid navigational hazard by MRCC (Mumbai).