Indian Navy rescues 20 crew members from drifting merchant vessel off Mumbai coast
Mumbai: In a dramatic operation, Navy helicopters rescued 20 people on board a drifting merchant ship off Vasai coast in neighbouring Palghar district on Monday.
"While 19 were airlifted and brought to INS Shikra in Mumbai, one more on board the vessel was airlifted by a second Navy chopper," a Defence spokesperson said.
Visuals of Navy rescuing crew members of vessel Jindal Kamakshi. (Source: Indian Navy) pic.twitter.com/uTyp9KQJNV
— ANI (@ANI_news) June 22, 2015The Navy got a request at 7 am for immediate evacuation of those on board the ship, which was drifting precariously, he said.
According to the Defence spokesperson, the information was received around midnight by the Indian Navy that a vessel in distress 'Jindal Kamakshi', which was 40 nautical miles from Mumbai harbour and 25 nautical miles off Vasai coast, had listed heavily.
The distress message said the vessel listed heavily, with 20 persons on board and requested assistance, the official said, adding the cause of the listing was not confirmed.
The Indian Navy had launched one Sea King helicopter to provide immediate assistance and a ship was also deployed for rendering assistance, he said.
He further said the vessel had counter ballasted (flood opposite tank) to improve stability.
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