Kochi: A major maritime incident was averted near the Kochi coast after a cargo vessel met with trouble at sea early Thursday morning. All 24 crew members on board were successfully rescued in a swift and coordinated operation led by the Indian Coast Guard, in collaboration with local authorities and maritime safety agencies.
The vessel, reportedly a foreign-flagged cargo ship, was sailing near the Arabian Sea stretch off the coast of Kochi when it developed a technical snag. Preliminary reports suggest that the ship experienced a sudden loss of engine power coupled with severe flooding in its lower deck compartments, which led to a distress call being issued around 4:30 AM.
The distress signal was promptly picked up by the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Mumbai, which then alerted the Indian Coast Guard’s Southern Command in Kochi. Within minutes, emergency response vessels and helicopters were deployed to the location, approximately 28 nautical miles west of the Kochi port.
“The situation was tense, with the vessel listing dangerously due to water ingress,” said an officer from the Coast Guard involved in the operation. “Time was of the essence, and the rough sea conditions made the rescue challenging. However, thanks to precise coordination and rapid deployment, we were able to evacuate all 24 crew members without any reported injuries.”
The rescued crew members, including a mix of Indian and foreign nationals, were brought ashore by late morning and provided medical attention and temporary shelter. Authorities confirmed that none of the sailors sustained serious injuries, though some were treated for shock and dehydration.
Efforts are now underway to assess the condition of the stricken vessel. Tugs have been dispatched to stabilize the ship and prevent it from drifting further. Divers are expected to inspect the hull damage to determine whether the ship can be salvaged or will need to be towed to shore for repairs.
The Port Authority of Cochin, meanwhile, has launched an inquiry to determine the root cause of the accident. Environmental officials are also monitoring the situation closely to ensure there is no oil spill or hazardous material leak from the vessel that could affect the sensitive coastal ecosystem.
Kerala's Fisheries and Ports Minister expressed relief at the safe rescue of all crew members. “This incident reminds us of the unpredictable nature of sea travel and the critical importance of our maritime safety infrastructure,” he said. “We commend the Coast Guard and all agencies involved for their professionalism and swift response.”
This near-miss off the Kochi coast serves as a stark reminder of the perils of maritime operations, particularly in monsoon-prone waters. While the rescued crew members are safe, authorities stress that stricter safety checks and better communication protocols are essential to prevent such incidents in the future.