Indian Coast Guard's Daring Rescue Saves 11 from Sinking Ship

The Indian Coast Guard executed a bold sea-air rescue operation, saving 11 lives from a sinking merchant vessel en route from Kolkata to Port Blair. The operation was carried out under harsh sea conditions by Coast Guard ships and aircraft.

In a coordinated sea-air search and rescue operation, the Indian Coast Guard rescued 11 individuals from a sinking merchant vessel on Sunday night, officials confirmed. The vessel, which was on its way from Kolkata to Port Blair, faced extreme sea conditions. Coast Guard ships Sarang and Amogh, along with a Dornier aircraft, were instrumental in the rescue.

The sinking ship, known as ITT Puma, went down 90 nautical miles south of Sagar Island. 'The Indian Coast Guard conducted an unprecedented swift night operation, rescuing 11 precious lives,' read a statement from the Coast Guard. The operation involved coordination between ships and an aircraft in particularly harsh maritime conditions.

This rescue comes just days after a previous incident on August 24 when a Coast Guard aircraft detected a vessel, IFB Angel, adrift due to engine failure. The ICG Ship Rajratan was dispatched to assist in severe seas, towing the distressed boat safely to Jafarabad. Earlier, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated new rescue facilities in Chennai and Puducherry, aiming to improve maritime safety and response efficacy. The facility includes the latest in communication and distress monitoring technology.

(With inputs from agencies.)