Ahmedabad: The Indian Coast Guard (ICG)
has rescued six crew members on board an Oman vessel Sakar-7, about 160 nautical miles (NM) off Porbandar coast in the Arabian sea.
The incident took place yesterday, when the vessel that
was drifting for last 11 days due to technical snag in the
engine, entered into Indian territory and was spotted by
Coast Guard aircraft on routine patrol in Arabian sea, an
official release said Monday.
After the ICG aircraft sighted the vessel adrift about
162 NM south west of Porbandar on August 19, it sent an
investigation call to it, which was responded in a suspicious
manner, the release said.
ICGS Vijit, which was patrolling close to Dwarka, was
diverted towards the suspected vessel, while the Coast Guard
aircraft continued surveillance on the vessel, and merchant
ships transiting through the area were cautioned about the
vessel.
The Coast Guard officers from Vijit took control of the
ship on August 20 and interrogated all the six crew members on
board the vessel of Sultanate of Oman.
"It was found that the vessel Sakar-7 of Sultanate of
Oman with six crew on board (one Oman and five Yemen) was
drifting due to technical snag in the engine for the last 11
days on the high seas," it said.
Due to prevailing weather and currents, the vessel was
drifting in an easterly direction and entered Indian waters.
"The enhanced air and surface surveillance efforts of the
ICG resulted in timely detection of this drifting vessel which
required immediate assistance," it added.
The Coast Guard ship Vijit had towed the vessel and
reached Porbandar today for further handing over formalities,
the ICG release added.
PTI
