New Delhi: In an incredible show of prompt and coordinated action, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) rescued 12 crew members of the sunken Indian vessel MSV Al Piranpir from the North Arabian Sea on December 4. This remarkable search and rescue mission involved close cooperation between the Indian Coast Guard and the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (MSA), with both countries’ Maritime Rescue Coordination Centres (MRCCs) maintaining constant communication throughout the operation.
The mechanised sailing vessel (dhow) Al Piranpir, which had departed from Porbandar en route to Bandar Abbas, Iran, reportedly sank in the morning hours of December 4 because of rough seas and flooding. The distress call was received by ICG’s Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Mumbai, which swiftly alerted ICG Regional Headquarters (North West) in Gandhinagar. ICG Ship Sarthak was immediately diverted to the reported location. MRCC Pakistan was also contacted to alert mariners in the area, and their assistance was promptly provided.
ICGS Sarthak carries out extensive search
ICGS Sarthak, deployed for forward area patrolling, proceeded at maximum speed to the location and carried out an extensive search operation. The 12 crew members, who had abandoned their dhow and taken refuge in a small dinghy, were located, and rescued around 270 km west of Dwarka, within Pakistan’s Search and Rescue Region. The search for survivors was backed by a Pakistan MSA aircraft and the merchant ship MV Cosco Glory.
The rescued crew members went through examination by the medical team onboard ICGS Sarthak and were reported to be in good health. They are being taken back to Porbandar Harbour, Gujarat.
The Indian Coast Guard’s prompt and coordinated response underscores its unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives at sea. This daring rescue operation showcases the ICG’s capabilities and readiness to address maritime emergencies in the region.
