New Delhi, India, September 28: The Indian Coast Guard on Monday rescued a chemical tanker carrying 9,000 metric tons of palm oil and 23 crew members after it issued a distress call off the Paradip coast in Odisha and was found in an unstable, tilting condition, the maritime security agency said.
In a post on X, the Indian Coast Guard said that ICGS Vishwast launched a “swift and decisive operation” after receiving the critical distress call from MT Seagull 9.
“Averting a major disaster at sea! Following a critical distress call from MT Seagull 9 off #Paradip, #ICGS Vishwast launched a swift and decisive operation to rescue the unstable chemical tanker carrying 9,000 MT palm oil and 23 crew members,” the Coast Guard said.
The Coast Guard added that its specialist Damage Control Team boarded the vessel while braving high-risk conditions and took several measures to stabilize the tilting tanker.
“Braving high-risk conditions, the specialist Damage Control Team boarded the ship, deployed submersible pumps, de-flooded ballast tanks, and sealed damaged sea pipelines to stabilize the tilting vessel,” it said.
To strengthen pollution response measures and maintain continuous surveillance, an ICG Pollution Control Vessel and an Offshore Patrol Vessel were also diverted to the scene, the Coast Guard said.
The agency said an ICG Dornier aircraft was deployed for aerial surveillance and confirmed that the minor palm oil sheen observed at sea had completely dissipated.
“ICG Dornier aircraft confirmed the minor palm oil sheen has completely dissipated,” it said.
Following the successful stabilization operation, the tanker was placed under tow and is now being taken safely toward Paradip.
“The ship is now safely under tow toward Paradip,” the Coast Guard said.
The Indian Coast Guard added that its units continue to maintain surveillance in the area as part of efforts to ensure maritime safety and protect the marine environment.
“ICG units remain on active sentinel watch—ensuring safety and protecting our oceans 24/7,” it said. (ANI)
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