Mangalore : MSV Al-ASKAR, a cargo vessel left Mangalore Old Port on Nov 24, is said to be drowned in the rough seas along with its six crew.

Naval aircraft and ships have already launched a search operation. Captain Shankara had anchored the ship on Saturday evening around half a nautical mile from Amini Island, Lakshadweep, which is around 304kms to the southwest of Mangalore.

Owner of the ship Mustafa Shafi of Bengre Kasaba said that Shankara had made a telephone call at 5:40 a.m. and urged him to send a rescue team as the ship was in serious trouble. As per the information a rescue team rushed to the spot in speed boats, searched for the cargo vessel for nearly half an hour and declared that the ship has gone missing.

The ship’s crew comprised Captain Shankar of Calicut and five Gujarathi sailors.