The navy engaged in search and rescue operations in Cyclone Ockhi-hit seas off Kerala and Lakshadweep extended help by giving fuel to a foreign vessel stranded off Minicoy Island.
INS Shardul encountered tug 'Bes Power' of Singapore stranded due to the cyclone 35 nautical miles north-east of Minicoy Island late on Wednesday night.
On interrogation, the tug crew requested 45 tonnes of fuel to continue passage to Maldives.
"Fuel was transferred to the tug in true naval ethos of being the first responder to all," a defence spokesman said.
Meanwhile, a Dornier aircraft and a ship of the navy have left for rescuing a boat stranded with 15 people near Lakshadweep islands after receiving a message through an aircraft flying near Kochi, the spokesman said.
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