Dutch Salvage Firm To Take Out Stranded Vessel Off Konaseema Coast
The Philippine-registered vessel, which was sailing empty, suffered engine damage amid stormy weather and subsequently ran aground in the sea near Antarvedi: Reports
KAKINADA: A Dutch-based maritime salvage company, Smit Salvage, in collaboration with a Singapore based vessel, is preparing to undertake extrication of stranded ship MV Sigma Pear of the Philippines from the sea off the Konaseema coast.
The Philippine-registered vessel, which was sailing empty, suffered engine damage amid stormy weather and subsequently ran aground in the sea near Antarvedi. The salvage operation is expected to involve specialised equipment and expertise to safely refloat the vessel and tow it to a suitable location.
It is expected that this would take more than 10 days’ time for the firm to reach the sea off the Konaseema coast.
Meanwhile, Indian Coast Guard successfully rescued 20 crew members of a bulk carrier from stranded MV Sigma Pearl off the Kakinada coast amid severe weather conditions triggered by cyclone Arnab.
The 180-metre-long vessel had sailed from Vizag after discharging its cargo. It encountered strong winds and rough seas in the Bay of Bengal during the early hours of October 28 as a result of the cyclone. The Vessel reportedly lost steerage and ran aground in shallow waters.
Upon receiving the distress information, the ICG launched a coordinated rescue operation amidst adverse weather conditions. The Coast Guard deployed its offshore patrol vessel Sujay from Chennai to undertake the rescue mission and the ship’s boats were launched to evacuate the stranded crew. A parallel helicopter- assisted rescue operation was also initiated from the air facility at Mogalturu in West Godavari district.
ICG said that through coordinated efforts and exemplary operational execution, all 20 crew members were safely evacuated and the ship’s medical team provided immediate medical assistance. All the rescued personnel were reported to be in a healthy condition.
With all crew members safely evacuated, attention has now shifted towards assessing the condition of the stranded vessel and determining the feasibility of salvage operations.
In recent times, ICG has extended assistance to several merchant and fishing vessels affected by adverse sea conditions in the Bay of Bengal further demonstrating its sustained operational readiness and commitment to maritime safety.