Mangalore . Indian Coast Guard has rescued all the 27 crew of Dredger Ibis (IMO No. 8209212) on 04 June 2017.

Dredger Ibis with 27 crew, had been engaged in its operations South of Old Port Mangalore and was reported to be in distress. Indian Coast Guard Headquarters at Panambur, Mangalore had received the information through a telephonic message from New Mangalore Port Trust at about 04:45 PM on 03 June 2017.

On receipt of the message, the Operations Team of Coast Guard Karnataka, immediately swung into action and diverted Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Amartya, which was under the temporary Command of Deputy Commandant TN Kotambe, to proceed with maximum available speed to render assistance to the distressed Dredger.

After arrival at the position at 06:40 PM on 03 June 2017, ICGS Amartya assessed the weather conditions in area and lowered its Gemini (Inflatable rubber boat) at 06:48 PM. Notwithstanding the inclement weather in area, the Gemini towed liferaft of the Dredger with 04 personnel onboard towards the ICG ship. After rescue of the 04 persons at 08:00 PM, the operation was suspended for the day view strong winds and heavy swell in area.

ICGS Amartya maintained its position in area for the night of 03/04 June 2017 with continuous communication with the Dredger.

Indian Coast Guard Hovercraft, ACV H-196 was deployed with the first light of 04 June 2017 for rendering assistance. Due to the heavy swell and breaking waves, the movement of hovercraft was restricted and ICGS Rajdoot, which was standby ship, was sailed at 07:15 AM on 04 June 2017.

Meanwhile, ICGS Amartya lowered its Gemini at 06:10 AM on 04 June 2017 and commenced rescuing of the remaining 23 crew from Dredger Ibis. Despite inclement weather conditions and strong winds, the ship’s Gemini continued to ferry the stranded crew from distressed Dredger to ICGS Amartya. Coastal Security Police, Mangalore also assisted in SAR operation by sending their boat. The CSP boat also ferried 04 crew from the Dredger to ICGS Amartya.

The entire operation was seamlessly coordinated amongst various stakeholders. It is worth mentioning that the Operations Room, Coast Guard Karnataka was directed by the Commander, Coast Guard Karnataka, Deputy Inspector General SS Dasila. U.T. Khader, Minister for Food and Civil Supplies was also present in the Operations Room from the wee hours of 04 June 2017. The State Government, Police, Customs, Old Port and other stakeholders willingly took part as a well-knit team.

On completion of the rescue operation, DIG SS Dasila stated, “Every life at sea is precious and all out efforts will be made to avoid any loss of life and property at sea. All the stakeholders should continue to support us in the future”.

ICGS Amartya entered New Mangalore Harbour AM 04 June 2017 with the rescued crew.