A cargo vessel loaded with construction materials, which departed from Mangaluru Old Port bound for Lakshadweep, capsized while en route from Andrott Island to Agatti Island. The incident occurred after the vessel encountered engine trouble, leading to its sinking.
Chronology of Events
The vessel set sail from Old Mangaluru Port on March 12, carrying construction and food materials along with eight crew members. Among them were Captain Bhaskaran and crew members Nagalingam, Nallamuthu Gopal, Manidevan Velu, Vignesh, Ajith Kumar S, Kuppuraman, and M Murugan from Tamil Nadu.
After unloading a portion of the cargo at Androth Island, the vessel proceeded towards Agatti Island on March 13. However, the following morning, engine issues arose. Despite efforts to repair the engine, the vessel began to sink due to adverse weather conditions.
Rescue Operation
The quick-thinking crew members managed to save themselves by utilizing their life jackets and jumping into a ‘paathi,’ a small boat accompanying the main vessel. The Indian Coast Guard in Mangaluru and Lakshadweep were alerted, initiating a search operation from March 15 to 17. However, the crew members remained unaccounted for.
Fortunately, fishermen from Kalpeni spotted the distressed crew members waving for help from the small boat. Responding promptly, the fishermen rescued them on March 18. Abdul Lathif, secretary of the Old Port Users Association, confirmed the successful rescue and informed that the Coast Guard transported the crew members to Kochi via speedboat.
Safe Return Home
Upon arrival in Kochi, the owner of the vessel joined the Coast Guard in facilitating the crew members’ return to their hometown. The timely intervention of the fishermen and the coordinated efforts of the Coast Guard ensured the safe rescue and repatriation of all crew members involved in the incident.
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