Indian Coast Guard Rescues Crew from Stranded Ship Near Kakinada Coast

Rescue Operation Amid Cyclone 'Arnab'

Kakinada. The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) successfully rescued 13 crew members from a cargo ship stranded near the Kakinada coast due to the severe cyclone 'Arnab' on Thursday. The bulk carrier, named 'Sigma Pearl', measuring 180 meters and registered under the Marshall Islands flag, became immobilized in the Bay of Bengal after its engine failed amidst the raging storm and adverse weather conditions. As of the time of reporting, the rescue operation was ongoing to airlift the remaining 7 crew members from the ship, which is located near the coastal village of Antaravedi in Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema district..

For this rescue mission, the Coast Guard deployed a helicopter along with its offshore patrol vessel (OPV) 'Sujay'. The helipad constructed in Mogaltur village of West Godavari district is being utilized for coordinating the rescue efforts. The district administration is providing full support to the Coast Guard in this operation..

Reports indicate that the ship, with a gross tonnage of 20,809, was returning to Singapore after unloading its cargo at Visakhapatnam port. It departed the port on October 27, and on the early morning of October 28, cyclone 'Arnab' struck near Yanam, causing the vessel to be caught in turbulent waves and storm conditions..