Indian Coast Guard ship fights fire onboard merchant vessel “Coastal Jaguar” off Visakhapatnam

New Delhi. Remote Operating Station (ROS) Visakhapatnam noticed smoke emanating from a Merchant Ship (Offshore Supply Vessel-Coastal Jaguar)at 1130 hrs today which was operating1.5Nautical Miles off Visakhapatnam harbour. Tug Sindhu and one Visakhapatnam Utility boat were also operating alongwith the Ship. The exact cause of fire could not be ascertained however, initial inputs from Visakhapatnam port and agents of the vessel indicated that the fire erupted with a loud sound. The agents of the vessel confirmed presence of 29 crew onboard the Offshore Supply Vessel. The crew had jumped overboard post fire.

Indian Coast Guard Ship Rani Rashmoni operating off Visakhapatnam was immediately diverted and tasked to rescue the crew and assist the Vessel. Indian Coast Guard ship C-432 and ICGS Samudra Pahredar were also sailed from Visakhapatnam at short notice for augmenting the rescue efforts and fire fighting.
Indian Coast Guard Ship Rani Rashmoni in coordination with Tug Sindhu and Port Utility Boat rescued 27 crew of Merchant Ship(OSV Coastal Jaguar). Some of the crew rescued have sustained injuries and have been admitted in Visakhapatnam Port Hospital. One body has been recovered by the Port Utility Boat and search for 01 missing crew is in progress.

Coast Guard Ship Samudra Pehradhar alongwith Visakhapatnam Port Trust Tugs Sindhu and Kohinoor are undertaking fire fighting operations.