Mumbai: The Indian Navy has so far rescued 180 people after one of the vessels with 273 personnel on board sank 35 nautical miles from Mumbai (in the Mumbai Offshore Development Area) during the impact of Cyclone Tauktae.
The Indian Navy has intensified the rescue and search operations to track those still missing.
Indian Naval Ships Beas, Betwa and Teg joined INS Kochi and Kolkata for undertaking Search and Rescue (SAR) operations for Barge P-305, said a Defence Ministry release, adding SAR has also been augmented with P8I and naval helicopters, who continue to undertake aerial search in the area
In another operation, an Indian Navy Seaking helicopter was launched to rescue crew of GAL Constructor, which ran aground North of Mumbai. The helo rescued 35 crew members of GAL Constructor.
READ: Cyclone Tauktae: After About 21 Years, Mumbai Records Over 200 MM Rain In 24 Hours
SAR efforts are also in progress off the coast of Gujarat for three vessels namely Support Station 3, Great Ship Aditi and Drill Ship Sagar Bhushan, which are 15-20 nautical miles South East off Gujarat coast (Pipavav).
INS Talwar has arrived in the area and taken over the duties of 'On-Scene Coordinator' for coordination of the SAR effort.
The Western Naval Command, in coordination with ONGC and DG shipping, has diverted five tugs to render assistance. Great Ship Aditi and Support Station 3 have been able to drop anchor. Meanwhile, OSV’s Samudra Sevak and SV Cheel are connected to manoeuvre Sagar Bhushan, and the situation at present appears to be stable.