The Indian Coast Guard on Monday averted a major maritime crisis after rescuing an unstable foreign chemical tanker carrying 23 crew members off the Paradip coast in Odisha. The vessel, MT Seagull 9, was carrying 9,000 metric tonnes of palm oil when it issued a distress call, prompting the Coast Guard to launch a rescue operation.
The Indian Coast Guard said ICGS Vishwast was deployed to the site and its specialist Damage Control Team boarded the tanker. The team used submersible pumps to remove water from the ballast tanks and sealed damaged sea-pipelines to stabilise the tilting vessel.
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An ICG Pollution Control Vessel and an Offshore Patrol Vessel were also diverted to the area to strengthen pollution response and maintain continuous surveillance. An ICG Dornier aircraft later confirmed that a minor palm-oil sheen observed in the area had completely dissipated.
The tanker has since been safely taken under tow towards Paradip, while Coast Guard units remain deployed to monitor the vessel, ensure the crew’s safety and prevent any further impact on the marine environment.
