Mumbai: The Indian Navy launched a massive rescue operation after a merchant vessel, with 20 people onboard, began sinking off Vasai coast in Palghar district on Monday. All rescued crew members are undergoing medical check-up.
In a daring rescue operation in adverse weather conditions, India Navy on Monday rescued 20 crew members of a vessel in distress, Jindal Kamakshi, 40 nautical miles northwest of Mumbai harbour, a Navy official said.
While 19 were airlifted and brought to INS Shikra in Mumbai, one more on board the vessel was airlifted by a second Navy chopper,” a defence spokesperson said. The Navy got a request at 7am for immediate evacuation of those on board the ship which was listing precariously, he said.
According to the defence spokesperson, the information was received around midnight by the Indian Navy that a vessel in distress ‘Jindal Kamakshi’, which was 40 nautical miles from Mumbai harbour and 25 nautical miles off Vasai coast, has listed heavily.
The Indian Navy had launched one Seaking helicopter to provide immediate assistance and a ship was also deployed for rendering assistance, he said. The merchant vessel was 40 nautical miles from the Mumbai harbour and 25 nautical miles off the Vasai coast when it started tilting.
More vessels of the Indian Navy are reportedly being rushed to the site to ensure that the listing merchant ship does not drift towards Mumbai shorelines.
Bureau Report
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