VASCO
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) successfully averted a potential disaster near Mormugao Harbour late Sunday evening. The tourist ferry boat Nerul Paradise with 24 passengers and 2 crew members was caught out at sea in rough weather with waves measuring over 3 metres and which was stranded due to lack of fuel. The marooned boat had sailed out from Panaji with tourists in the morning hours.
The Indian Coast Guard ship C-148, which was returning back from patrol, spotted the stranded passenger vessel and responded swiftly. Braving the rough sea, the ICG ship reached the distressed vessel. A team was sent aboard the ferry and personnel on board ferry were calmed down. The Coast Guard team stabilized the situation and brought the boat safely to harbour. On arrival all the passengers and crew members were provided with medical aid.
"We are grateful to the Indian Coast Guard for their swift and professional response in this critical situation", said a spokesperson for the Nerul Paradise.
"Their actions undoubtedly saved the lives of the 26 people on board our ferry."
The Indian Coast Guard is a maritime law enforcement and search and rescue agency of the Government of India.
The ICG is responsible for a wide range of functions, including coastal security, maritime safety, search and rescue operations, marine pollution control, and enforcement of maritime laws.
The rescue operation carried out under adverse weather conditions has once again proven the valour of the Coast Guard personnel and their commitment to safeguard every life in distress at sea.
