“No threat to marine environment,” says Coast Guard after rescue of 14 crew of vessel that ran aground

New Delhi [India], July 26 (ANI): After rescuing 14 mariners off the Raigad coast, the Indian Coast Guard’s Regional Commander (West) Inspector General Bhisham Sharma on Friday said that there is no threat to the marine environment and the Coast Guard is monitoring the situation very closely.

The Indian Coast Guard helicopter evacuated 14 Indian crew of the grounded vessel bulk carrier JSW Raigad on Friday and safely positioned them at Alibaug, Mumbai.

“Yesterday afternoon, at around 13:30 hours, Coast Guard ship Sankalp out at sea received information regarding the drowning of merchant vessel JSW Raigad. The vessel was anchored, and because of the bad weather, it ran aground in Alibag. Subsequently, flooding in the engine room compartment was reported. On the seat of the information, the Indian Coast Guard quickly got into the action. 14 crew members who were on board were successfully evacuated this morning using an ICG Helicopter. Currently, there is no threat to the marine environment and the Coast Guard is monitoring the situation very closely,” the Indian Coast Guard’s Regional Commander (West) Inspector General said.

According to the Indian Coast Guard release in the early hours of Friday, despite adverse conditions limiting air operations, ICG launched a daring operation to evacuate the crew from the stranded vessel.

“In the early hours of July 26, 2024, the ICG launched a rescue operation to evacuate the crew from the stranded vessel. A Coast Guard helicopter successfully evacuated all 14 crew members from the bulk carrier JSW Raigad in adverse weather conditions. The crew were safely disembarked at Alibaug Beach, with no injuries reported,” it added.

The ICG Station Murud Janjira is currently coordinating with local authorities to provide further medical aid and support to the mariners. The situation is being closely monitored to ensure the safety of the vessel and the surrounding environment.

The Indian Coast Guard says it remains committed to safeguarding lives at sea and responding swiftly to maritime emergencies.