Team Herald
VASCO: Before South West Monsoon Cyclone Tauktae knocking at the doors of Goa on May 16, same day, a call from a 92-metre ONGC Vessel MV Sagar Sarvekshak on her next port of call to Mumbai with 52 crew onboard was received in position Lat 150 24.01 North Long 730 15.22 East by Coast Guard District Headquarters Goa that the vessel is in distressed situation as the vessel was struck in the path of Cyclone Tauktae and drifting towards the centre.
In a press release, the Indian Coast Guard stated that further the said vessel was reported encountering wind speed 55 knots with very rough seas. On investigations about the cause of distress, the vessel intimated that her engines were not generating sufficient power to make the vessel get clear from the cyclone path and stay at safe distance.
Understanding the depth of the situation and safety of men and material at sea, The Coast Guard District Headquarters Goa provided assistance to MV Sagar Sarvekshak by providing regular meteorological data received from Indian Meteorological Department, Goa. The directives and important guidance provided to the vessel helped her to counter the on-going cyclone. The vessel was provided safety and navigational advisory over VHF to steer clear from the cyclone. The vessel at about 0944 hours the same day reported that they were finally out of danger.
With 05 hours of continuous efforts by Coast Guard District Headquarters Goa MV Sagar Sarvekshak was rescued from severe Cyclone Tauktae.
“The prompt response by the Coast Guard not only saved the vessel, its crew but also averted a potentially dangerous situation where in the into the sea would have caused unfathomable environmental damage, including damage to the pristine beaches of Goa,” stated the Coast Guard.