Mangaluru: Indian Coast Guard Ship Savitribai Phule, based out of Mangaluru, on Friday coordinated the rescue of all eight crew members of MSV Sumithra, which sank off the Androth Island in Lakshadweep.

The number 12 Coast Guard district headquarters at Kavaratti informed the Savitribai Phule that MSV Sumithra with 240MT of cargo – consisting of bricks, cement and vegetables – was drifting 70 nautical miles east of Androth Island since Wednesday.

The vessel had sailed from Beypore Port. Immediately, the Savitribai Phule headed towards the ship’s indicated position and launched search and rescue operations. Sea and air coordinated searches were also undertaken with Indian Navy aircraft in the area.

MSV Sumithra sank due to engine failure, heavy winds and huge waves 30 nautical miles off Androth, before it could be located by the Savitribai Phule.

MT Gaschem Norsee, which was transiting from the area in the interim, had safely picked up all eight crew members of the Sumithra. The Savitribai Phule rendezvoused with MT Gaschem Norsee on Friday and took the eight crew members on-board using a Gemini boat, despite the darkness and rough weather conditions. The rescued crew members were provided with medical assistance, food and water. Thereafter, the Savitribai Phule entered Androth Port and handed the rescued crew to the local administration.

On completion of the rescue operation, deputy inspector general S S Dasila, commander, Coast Guard Karnataka stated, “Enhanced operational efficiency and readiness maintained by our ships has resulted in the rescue of precious lives at sea. Effective sharing of information and co-ordination among various stake-holders is the key for any search and rescue effort for fishermen in distress at sea.”

Units of ICG at sea are ever ready to produce corresponding results, he added.