Massive Rescue Operations by Coast Guard Saves 22 Lives From Maldivian Merchant Vessel Asian Express Sinking in Lakshadweep Waters

     The onset of the south west monsoon had yet another casuality in the Arabian sea. The Indian Coast Guard today (June 13, 2013)rescued 22 crew, 18 Maldivian and 04 Indian from MV Asian Express, Maldvian registered cargo vessel in position 50 nm north of Minicoy Island, (194 nm west of Kochi). The 5955 gross tonnage, general cargo vessel enroute from port Md Bin Qasim, Pakistan to male carrying cargo of cement and sand was a drift due to engine failure since last two days. The weather in area was extremely hostile with sea state four /five, swell of 3-5 metres and winds gusting upto 40 Kts. 

The first information of the vessel was passed by an Indian Naval Ship. Coast Guard Ship Varuna on patrol in the Lakshwadeep islands was diverted with despatch and reached the position of vessel at 1500 hrs. In the mean time, vessel developed two inch 3-4 mtr vertical crack on the starboard in the midships below waterline. The master and the crew were unable to control the flooding and abandoned the vessel at 1830 hrs. Despite prevailing weather conditions ICGS Varuna on account of valiant effort put in by its officers and men rescued all 22 crew with help of life boats. The ship is commanded by Cdr KM Arun Kumar. 

The rescue mission was coordinated by MRCC Mumbai. 
Courtesy: pib.nic.in (Press Information Bureau)