The Indian Coast Guard on Thursday rescued a research vessel which was stuck between Goa and Karwar. The vessel was facing technical issues because of which a total of 36 people in it were stranded at sea. The ship had a 28-member crew and 8 scientists and after being rescued they were brought back to Goa. KL Arun, the DIG Coast Guard, said that all the passengers were safe, according to the news agency ANI.
“The Research Vessel Sindhu Sadhana had an engine and total power failure and was drifting at a speed of 3 knots towards land. It 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 state-of-the-art research vessel, was carrying valuable scientific equipment and research data.
Upon receiving the distress call, the Indian Coast Guard immediately swung into action and activated a high-priority rescue operation.
Earlier this month, an Indian Coast Guard ship, 'Abheek' which is based at Okha Port in Devbhumi Dwarka district, rescued five fishermen from a boat, stranded at sea. The Indian Coast Guard ship was en route to Okha from Kochi. According to an ANI report, the fishing boat named UK Sons with five crew members ventured out to sea off Beypore on June 30, 2023. Upon deterioration in weather during the subsequent days, the boat was unable to enter any fishing harbour due to heavy waves and swell.
The Indian Coast Guard officials said, "On July 6, 2023, the owner informed Indian Coast Guard Station at Beypore that the weather has further deteriorated. Consequent to this Indian Coast Guard Ship Abheek was diverted to recover the crew safely. Indian Coast Guard ship Abheek arrived at the scene expeditiously. The efforts and courage executed by the crew ICGS Abheek in the face of adverse weather conditions resulted in the successful rescue of all five lives at sea."