JOIN USOn receiving the distress call, Coast Guard ship Annie Besant under the command of Commandant (JG) S C Patnaik, rushed to the spot and reached around 3 am on Sunday and helped in extinguishing the fire, according to press release.
Another Coast Guard ship, Varuna, which was taking part in another operation, was diverted to help the ship in distress. Other merchant vessels operating in the area were requested to provide assistance.
Crew safe
“On contacting the master of the vessel in distress, it was established that the fire occurred in the funnel of the main engine room,” the release said and added that the fire had been brought under control and all the 29 crew on board were safe.
The MV Orchids was on its way to Cochin port from New Mangalore Port when the mishap occurred.
To a query, a source in the Coast Guard said that there was no oil spill. It may take a day or two to repair the engine and before the vessel continues on its journey.