Fire guts vessel "Coastal Jaguar"; 28 crew rescued

: Fire engulfed an offshore support vessel 'Coastal Jaguar' off the coast here on Monday, forcing the crew to abandon it and jump into the sea to save themselves.

A total of 28 out of the 29 crew onboard have been rescued and search is on for one missing crew.

According to a defence release, there was reportedly a loud explosion onboard the vessel at 11.30 AM and thick smoke emanated from it.

The exact cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained.

A Coast Guard ship 'Rani Rashmoni, which was in the area, was diverted to coordinate the rescue operations and it rescued the distressed crew.