Rescue Operations Underway: 8 Crew Members Saved from Adrift Tugboat in Arabian Sea

Eight of the 14 crew members from a tugboat adrift off Maharashtra's Alibag coast have been rescued so far. The rescue operation, conducted by the Coast Guard and assisted by a chopper, commenced around 9 am. The remaining six crew members are also being evacuated despite challenging weather conditions.

The Coast Guard has successfully rescued eight of the 14 crew members aboard a tugboat that went adrift in the Arabian Sea off the Alibag coast of Maharashtra, according to a police official's statement on Friday.

The rescue mission, conducted with assistance from a Coast Guard helicopter, began at approximately 9 am. Superintendent of Police Raigad, Somnath Gharge, confirmed that all eight rescued crew members have been safely dropped at Alibag beach.

Efforts to rescue the remaining six crew members continue, despite challenging weather, including heavy rain, high tides, and strong winds. The tugboat, operated by JSW Group, encountered mechanical failure near Kolaba fort, leading it to drift into stormy conditions.

(With inputs from agencies.)