Cargo vessel stuck in rough sea, crew safe

The vessel, carrying the Panama flag, is owned by Jabal Ali Trading Company of Dubai and was on its way to Dubai from Malaysia.

According to reports, the 3120-MT vessel is empty and has 10 crew members—six Indians, three Iranians and a Siberian—on board.

To continue journey

The captain refused to be evacuated, stating that the ship would continue its onward journey once the conditions in the sea improved.

The Ports and Inland Waterways Department alerted the Seabird Naval Base, and a helicopter was rushed to the spot for rescue efforts. However, the captain refused assistance, claiming there was no danger to the vessel.

Dead-end

Speaking to reporters, Ports and Inland Waterways Department Director Captain Mohan Rajghat said the efforts by the authorities to pull the vessel to safety had met a dead-end as the conditions in the sea continued to be turbulent.

“Usually, information on the entry of a cargo vessel will be available at the port, at least one week in advance. However, there was no prior information on this vessel heading towards the Karwar port. It is said the vessel was arriving for refuelling. Further details are awaited,” he added. It may be recalled that on June 23, 2007 a vessel, Den Den with 28 crew members, sank off the Mangalore coast, killing three of its crew.