ICG Rescues 11 Crew Members from Sinking Cargo Vessel in Night-Time Operation

The operation began when the Maritime Search & Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Chennai received a distress signal late in the evening on August 25, 2024.

In a daring night-time operation on August 26, 2024, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) successfully rescued 11 crew members from the distressed MV ITT Puma, a general cargo vessel registered in Mumbai. The ship, which was en route from Kolkata to Port Blair, sank approximately 90 nautical miles south of Sagar Island in West Bengal.

The operation began when the Maritime Search & Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Chennai received a distress signal late in the evening on August 25, 2024. Responding swiftly, the ICG’s Regional Headquarters (North East) in Kolkata deployed two ICG vessels, Sarang and Amogh, along with a Dornier aircraft to the site of the sinking vessel.

The Dornier aircraft, equipped with advanced night-capable sensors, played a crucial role in the operation by detecting adrift life rafts and locating survival red flares from the stranded crew. Guided by the aircraft, the ICG ships reached the location where they found two life rafts tied together, containing all 11 survivors.

Despite challenging weather conditions, the ICG ships and the Dornier aircraft executed a coordinated sea-air rescue, ensuring the safe recovery of the crew during the late hours of August 25 and the early hours of August 26. The successful rescue highlights the ICG’s commitment and capability in responding to maritime emergencies, even under the most difficult circumstances.