Navy, Coast Guard save ship from sinking off Goa coast

TheIndian Navy and Coast Guard saved a merchant vessel from sinking off the Goa coast after it started listing in the water, an official statement said.

The incident occurred on Wednesday morning around 7.30 when merchant ship MV Infinity reported water ingress, around 20 nautical miles off Goa coast.

The 83-metre-long vessel with 14 Indian crew was transiting from Kandla port in Gujarat and proceeding to Karwar in Karnataka, when it developed a crack in the hull and started taking in water. It was carrying approximately 1,750 tonnes of asphalt.

The ship was listing to its right and the de-watering efforts were not working, an official statement said.

"Since such emergencies can lead to the sinking of the ship, Indian Naval Ship Trikand from Western Naval Command immediately responded to the call," the statement said.

"Despite heavy seas, the ship responded immediately," the statement added.

A team of four personnel, including two officers, was sent with high-speed de-watering pumps. Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre was also informed.

Coast Guard Ships Amal and Shoor, and a tug from Goa were despatched for assistance and another naval ship INS Kondul was placed on standby, and helicopters were also prepared for immediate evacuations, the statement said.

The ship was finally brought to Goa coast on Wednesday and was provided additional pumps by INS Trikand and Coast Guard ships.

"By early morning (of Thursday) MV Infinity could contain the flooding with the help of pumps provided by the assisting ships," the statement said.

The ship weighed anchor around 4 a.m. on Thursday and left for Karwar harbour at a speed of 4-5 Knots.

INS Trikand and two coast guard ships accompanied it.

--IANS

ao/bim/vt