Indian Coast Guard Saves US Yacht in Distress Near Andaman Islands

Rescue Operation Highlights Maritime Safety

New Delhi: The Indian Coast Guard successfully rescued a US yacht and its two crew members after the vessel encountered difficulties in rough seas southeast of Indira Point in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, officials reported on Friday.

The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Port Blair received an emergency alert from the US Consulate in Chennai at 11:57 AM on July 10. The yacht, named 'Sea Angel', was stranded 52 nautical miles southeast of Indira Point with one American and one Turkish crew member on board.

The yacht had suffered mechanical failure due to a damaged sail and a tangled propeller, as explained by a senior official from the Coast Guard.

In response to the distress signal, MRCC Port Blair promptly activated the International Safety Net (ISN), notifying nearby merchant vessels and initiating rescue protocols. The ICGS Rajveer was dispatched at 2 PM to provide immediate help.

By 5:30 PM, ICGS Rajveer reached the yacht, established contact with the crew, and conducted an assessment of the situation.

Despite challenging weather conditions and the yacht's mechanical issues, the crew was found to be safe and in good health.

By 6:50 PM, the yacht was successfully towed and escorted to Campbell Bay, where it arrived at 8 AM on July 11.

This swift and effective rescue operation underscores the Indian Coast Guard's dedication to ensuring maritime safety.