Gandhinagar: The Indian Coast Guard saved 16 crew members of two merchant vehicles (cargo carrying boats/ships) off Gujarat coast in last 48 hours, Defence spokesperson Wing Commander Abhishek Matiman said today.

An assistance call was received yesterday at around 0130 hrs seeking intervention of Coast Guard. Indian Coast Guard IB C-409 was sailed from Jakhau to render assistance to salt barge Karishma. ICG IB on evaluation of the situation assessed that the barge had accumulated sea water in carriage area view high swell and rough seas. VHF communication was established and the master of the barge was guided to use local sea water system for deflooding and to seal all watertight compartments to avoid any further ingress of water. On restoring stable conditions barge was safely escorted by Indian Coast Guard IB to enter Jakhau harbour, he said adding that there were 8 crew member on board.

Earlier a day before yesterday at about 1840 hrs Indian Coast Guard Interceptor Boat (IB) ICGS C-408 on routine patrol received an SOS message on VHF from barge named MV Priya Ex-M/s Jakhau Salt, seeking assistance due to flooding onboard. Indian Coast Guard IB on routine patrol in area immediately diverted for the position and on reaching, noticed that the said barge was flooded up to bridge level and was listing to one side. The forecastle and the ship’s sides were completely submerged with only quarter deck partly visible and 8 crew were stranded onboard. The ship’s boarding team immediately came into action and guided the crew to deploy and board the life Raft of the barge. Thereafter a rope was attached to the raft and it was pulled to safety. All 8 crew were then safely embarked onboard Indian Coast Guard IB, provided first aid and ferried to Jakhau port.

Befitting its motto ‘Vayam Rakshamah’, the ever vigilant Indian Coast Guard, during last 48 hours has been able to save 16 precious lives through prompt and decisive actions at sea, the spokesperson said.

DeshGujarat