Indian Navy engaged in rescue operations in view of Cyclone Tauktae

The SAR operations continued throughout the night and a total of 146 persons from Barge P305 have been rescued till early morning on 18 May 2021. Out of them 111 by INS Kochi and INS Kolkata, 17 by Offshore Support Vessel (OSV) Greatship Ahilya and 18 by OSV Ocean Energy whilst operating in extremely challenging sea conditions.

The barge 'Gal Constructor' with 137 persons onboard has run aground about 48 NM North of Colaba Point. An Emergency Towing Vessel 'Water Lily', two support vessels and CGS Samrat are in vicinity for rendering assistance and evacuation of crew.

INS Talwar is proceeding to render assistance to another oil rig Sagar Bhushan with 101 personnel onboard and an accommodation barge SS-3 with 196 personnel onboard, both of which are adrift and presently located about 50 NM South East of Pipavav Port.

These ongoing rescue efforts have been augmented today morning by an Indian Naval P8I surveillance aircraft. Helicopters of Indian Navy will also be deployed for SAR based on weather conditions.

The SAR efforts will continue through the day with more naval assets ready to augment the ongoing SAR.