Karnataka: Indian Coast Guard rescues six crew members of cargo vessel that sank

Mangaluru: The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has rescued six crew members of cargo vessel MSV Salamath that sank in the early hours of Thursday, approximately 60-70 nautical miles Southwest of Mangaluru, Karnataka.

ICG received a distress alert from MT Epic Susui, a transiting vessel, reporting the sighting of a small boat adrift with six survivors onboard, approximately 52 nautical miles off the coast of Surathkal at 12:15 pm. ICG Ship Vikram, which was on routine patrol in the area, was immediately diverted to the location. The Coast Guard team were able to locate and rescue all six survivors from the dinghy.

According to the preliminary report, the cargo vessel had departed Mangaluru Port on May 12, en route to Kadmat Island in Lakshadweep, began flooding, leading to its eventual sinking. The vessel was carrying a mixed cargo of cement and construction materials. The exact cause of flooding is yet to be known.

The rescued crew members identified as Ismail Shareef, Alemun Ahmed Bhai Ghavda, Kakal Suleman Ismail, Akbar Abdul Surani, Kasam Ismail Mepani, and Azmal abandoned the sinking vessel and managed to embark on a small dinghy before being spotted.

After rescuing them, they were administered first aid and brought to New Mangalore Port. Local authorities will speak to rescued crew to ascertain the circumstances leading to the vessel's sinking.