Indian Coast Guard Successfully Rescues 20 Crew from Grounded Vessel
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has rescued all 20 crew members of the Marshall Islands-flagged bulk carrier Sigma Pearl, which ran aground off Antarvedi in Konaseema district, Andhra Pradesh, on India’s east coast. The ship grounded in the Ravva offshore oil and gas field of the Krishna-Godavari Basin, in the Bay of Bengal south of Kakinada.
The 179.9-metre, 32,688-dwt ship had unloaded a cargo of sulphur at Visakhapatnam and sailed for Singapore early on 27 October, shortly before Cyclone Arnab crossed the coast near Yanam on 28 October with winds of 125–135 km/h. Engine trouble left the ship drifting, and the storm pushed it aground.
The rescue was carried out on Thursday, 29 October, using an ICG helicopter and the offshore patrol vessel ICGS Sujay. Thirteen crew were first flown to the helipad at Mogalthur in West Godavari district, and the remaining seven were brought to safety later. The ICG reported no loss of life and said the operation was completed within 24 hours of the distress call. Early reports had put the number on board at six, and the crew’s nationalities have not been made public.
The Mercantile Marine Department, port authorities and the district administration are monitoring the ship, which will be towed off once the weather improves. An inquiry into the engine failure is expected.
The case shows how little margin a ship has if machinery fails while sailing just ahead of a cyclone. Thorough engine checks and a careful weather-routing plan before departure give crews the best protection during the cyclone season.
