VASCO: The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has successfully saved 36 lives and averted a potential environmental disaster when they rescued a research ship of the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), Goa under distress and drifting perilously close to Karwar, with eight esteemed scientists and a total crew of 36 on board.
The Research Vessel Sindhu Sadhana had an engine and total power failure and was drifting at a speed of 3 knots towards land.
“The vessel was approximately 20 nautical miles from the land when the distress message was received at the Coast Guard District Headquarters Goa around 1pm on Wednesday, July 26,” the Coast Guard stated in an official statement.
The situation was critical, as the NIO, a state-of-the-art research vessel, was carrying valuable scientific equipment and research data.
“Moreover, the proximity of the ship to the ecologically sensitive Karwar coastline posed an imminent threat of grounding, which could have resulted in a major oil spill and devastating pollution to the pristine marine environment,” the statement informed.
Upon receiving the distress call, the Indian Coast Guard immediately swung into action and activated a high-priority rescue operation, dispatching two advanced ships, ICGS Sujeet and ICGS Varaha with skilled team to the area.
Recognising the potential magnitude of the disaster, the Indian Coast Guard got activated to safeguard the ship so as to protect the fragile ecosystem, and save the vessel from running aground.
“The weather in the area is extreme, with sea state of 5-6 and winds gusting up to 45 knots. Towing a ship in these conditions is very difficult and the operation is currently ongoing. Despite all the challenges, ICGS Sujeet has taken the distressed NIO vessel under tow and are currently headed towards Goa. The crew onboard the NIO ship is safe and sound,” the Coast Guard stated.
Reacting to the incident, Director NIO, Sunil Kumar Singh said that during an expedition, approximately 50 nautical miles from GOA, RV Sindhu Sadhana encountered a generator breakdown.
“The vessel attempted necessary repairs, but could not succeed in repairing the generators. The vessel started drifting towards the Karwar coast due to adverse weather conditions. We sought assistance from the Coast Guard, and their Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) ‘Sujeet’ immediately approached RV Sindhu Sadhana. At present, OPV Sujeet is towing RV Sindhu Sadhana towards GOA port,” the NIO Director said.
The vessel is expected to reach Goa port by tomorrow (July 28) early morning, subject to weather conditions.
“We are in constant touch with the vessel and all the crew and scientists are safe, and there is no threat to life or property. We have duly informed the concerned agencies as required,” he said.
