Indian Coast Guard’s Brave Night-Time Rescue Saves 11 Crew Members
On August 25, 2024, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) successfully rescued 11 crew members from the sinking cargo vessel MV ITT Puma. The ship, registered in Mumbai, was traveling from Kolkata to Port Blair when it sank 90 nautical miles south of Sagar Island, West Bengal.
The distress signal was received by the Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Chennai late in the evening. The ICG’s Regional Headquarters in Kolkata quickly dispatched two vessels and a Dornier aircraft to the location. The aircraft, equipped with advanced night sensors, detected life rafts and survival flares from the crew.
Guided by the aircraft, the ICG ship found two life rafts tied together with the survivors. Despite challenging weather, the ICG ships Sarang and Amogh, along with the Dornier aircraft, executed a coordinated rescue operation, ensuring the crew’s safety during the late hours of August 25 and early hours of August 26.
Earlier, on August 24, the ICG Dornier aircraft detected the IFB Angel adrift due to an engine defect southeast of Diu. The ICG Ship Rajratan was sent to assist and safely towed the boat to Jafarabad.
On August 18, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the new Indian Coast Guard Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. He also launched the Regional Marine Pollution Response Centre and the Coast Guard Air Enclave in Puducherry. These facilities aim to enhance maritime security and provide efficient emergency responses, reinforcing the country’s commitment to maritime safety and environmental protection.
Doubts Revealed
Indian Coast Guard -: The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) is a part of India’s defense forces that protects the country’s maritime interests and enforces maritime law. They help in search and rescue operations at sea.
MV ITT Puma -: MV ITT Puma is the name of a ship. ‘MV’ stands for ‘Motor Vessel,’ which means it is a ship powered by engines.
Kolkata -: Kolkata is a big city in India, located in the state of West Bengal. It is known for its rich culture and history.
Port Blair -: Port Blair is the capital city of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which are a group of islands in the Bay of Bengal.
Sagar Island -: Sagar Island is an island in the state of West Bengal, India. It is located near the mouth of the Hooghly River.
Regional Headquarters -: Regional Headquarters is the main office in a specific area where important decisions and operations are managed. In this case, it is in Kolkata for the Indian Coast Guard.
Dornier aircraft -: A Dornier aircraft is a type of airplane used by the Indian Coast Guard for search and rescue missions and other operations.
IFB Angel -: IFB Angel is the name of another ship that needed help from the Indian Coast Guard. ‘IFB’ stands for ‘Indian Fishing Boat.’
Diu -: Diu is a small island and town in India, located off the coast of Gujarat. It is known for its beautiful beaches and historic fort.
Chennai -: Chennai is a large city in India, located in the state of Tamil Nadu. It is known for its cultural heritage and as a major economic hub.
Puducherry -: Puducherry, also known as Pondicherry, is a small coastal city in India. It was once a French colony and has a unique blend of Indian and French cultures.