Gandhinagar: The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) in coordination with the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (MSA), rescued 12 distressed seafarers in the north Arabian Sea in the wee hours of December 4, 2024. The rescued seafarers were the crew members of the sunken Indian vessel MSV Al Piranpir.
The medical team on board ICG Ship Sarthak examined the rescued crew members. They are reported to be in good health and are being transported back to Porbandar Harbour, Gujarat.
This humanitarian search and rescue mission was marked by close collaboration between the ICG and Pakistan MSA, with both nations’ Maritime Rescue Coordination Centres (MRCCs) maintaining continuous communication throughout the operation.
The mechanized sailing vessel (dhow) Al Piranpir had departed from Porbandar and was en route to Bandar Abbas, Iran. It reportedly sank in the morning hours of December 4 due to rough seas and flooding. The distress call was received by ICG’s Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Mumbai, which promptly alerted ICG Regional Headquarters (North West) in Gandhinagar. ICG Ship Sarthak was immediately diverted to the reported location. MRCC Pakistan was also contacted to alert mariners in the area, and their assistance was swiftly provided.
ICGS Sarthak deployed for forward area patrolling, proceeded at maximum speed to the probable location and conducted an extensive search operation. The 12 crew members, who had abandoned their vessel and taken refuge in a small dinghy, were located, and rescued approximately 270 km west of Dwarka, within Pakistan’s Search and Rescue Region. The search for survivors was supported by a Pakistan MSA aircraft and the merchant ship MV Cosco Glory.
The daring rescue operation showcases the ICG‘s capabilities and readiness to address maritime emergencies in the region, it added. The Indian Coast Guard has once again demonstrated its dedication to protecting lives at sea, living up to its motto, “वयं रक्षामः” or “We Protect.”
– global bihari bureau
