Indian Coast Guard Continues to Protect Maersk Frankfurt and Crew

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has been actively engaged in ensuring the safety of MV Maersk Frankfurt and her crew, while also working to prevent marine pollution in the Arabian Sea. Despite facing extreme weather conditions during the peak of the South West monsoon, the ICG has continued its operations for the fifth consecutive day. ICG ships have successfully doused a major fire on board, with visible white smoke and recurrent minor fires due to the contents inside containers. Specialized vessels like ICGS Samudra Prahari and ICGS Sachet are currently combating these smaller fires, supported by other vessels like Albattros 5 and Emergency Towing Vessel Water Lily.

In order to mitigate the grave threat posed to the Indian coastline, efforts are being made to keep the distressed vessel away from the coast and into deeper seas. The vessel is currently located 13 nautical miles west of New Mangalore and is heading towards the open sea. The ship managers have contracted salvage operations to M/s SMIT Salvers, who have requested ICG presence near the vessel to combat fire reflash until the arrival of two Anchor Handling Tug Supply vessels from abroad. Firefighting onboard container vessels remains a major challenge for the global maritime community, and the role of the salvage team onboard MV Maersk Frankfurt is crucial in sustaining the ICG’s efforts.

The ICG’s continuous efforts highlight their commitment to ensuring the safety of the crew and preventing environmental damage in the region. With the support of specialized vessels and external contractors, the ICG is working diligently to address the challenges posed by the ongoing situation. The coordination between various entities involved in the operation demonstrates a unified approach towards resolving the crisis and safeguarding the marine environment.

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