Indian Coast Guard Rescues 11 Crew Members from Sinking Cargo Vessel in Bay of Bengal

In a bold sea-to-air rescue operation, the Indian Coast Guard successfully saved 11 crew members of a cargo vessel that overturned in the Bay of Bengal early on Monday. The vessel, MV ITT Puma, was en route from Kolkata to Port Blair when it sank 90 nautical miles south of Sagar Island in West Bengal. The crew, all Indians, faced rough seas which led to the ship’s demise. Despite the valiant efforts of the Coast Guard, three crew members remain missing, sparking an ongoing search mission.

The distress signal was first received by the Maritime Search & Rescue Coordination Centre in Chennai on Sunday evening. The ICG Regional Headquarters in Kolkata swiftly deployed two vessels, Sarang and Amogh, along with a Dornier aircraft to the scene. By 9.30 pm, a coordinated search was in progress. The Dornier aircraft played a crucial role in locating the crew members, spotting life rafts and red flares signaling their distress.

Despite adverse weather conditions, the ICG ships managed to reach the coordinates provided by the Dornier aircraft. Two life rafts were discovered tied together, sheltering the 11 survivors. The crew members were successfully rescued by the Coast Guard vessels and the aircraft, showcasing the dedication and efficiency of the rescue operation. The search for the remaining missing crew members continues as the maritime community comes together in solidarity.

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