Coast Guard Launches Rescue Operation for Stranded Cargo Ship Near Andhra Coast

Visakhapatnam, October 29 (Daily Kiran) : The Indian Coast Guard has initiated a rescue mission for the crew of a cargo ship stranded near the Kakinada coast in Andhra Pradesh. The vessel, named “Sigma Pearl,” was en route to Singapore when it encountered engine failure while passing through the KG Basin near the Rawa oilfield.

The ship, flagged in the Marshall Islands, is believed to have suffered mechanical issues due to the impact of Cyclone Arnab, which has been wreaking havoc in the Bay of Bengal. To assist in the rescue, the Coast Guard deployed a helicopter and a patrol vessel. The operation utilized a helipad located in Mogalthur village in the West Godavari district, and the offshore patrol vessel Sujay was also dispatched to aid the stranded ship.

The cargo ship had recently completed unloading its cargo at Visakhapatnam port before its engine malfunctioned. Six crew members were aboard the vessel when it departed from Visakhapatnam around 12:17 AM on October 27. At that time, Cyclone Arnab was moving towards Yanam and was expected to make landfall on October 28.

According to the marine traffic portal, the ship’s status was marked as “Vessel Out of Range” two days prior, with its last recorded activity along its intended route.

Local authorities in the West Godavari district have provided the Coast Guard with all necessary support for the rescue operation. Cyclone Arnab made landfall early on October 28, with wind speeds reaching 125-135 km/h and gusts up to 150 km/h.

The India Meteorological Department reported that the cyclone’s effects persisted until 8 AM, six hours after landfall. Although it weakened after crossing the coast, the cyclone claimed four lives and caused significant destruction in coastal areas, uprooting thousands of trees and power poles, and severely damaging crops.