INDIAN COAST GUARD RESPONDS TO MARITIME DISTRESS OFF PARADIP

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) successfully conducted a maritime rescue operation for a Belize-flagged chemical tanker, MT Seagull 9, located 37 nautical miles off the coast of Paradip, Odisha. The vessel, carrying 9,000 metric tonnes of palm oil and 23 crew members, faced an engine failure and ballast tank flooding, leading to a dangerous tilt. The ICG deployed the vessel ICGS Vishwast, a specialist damage-control team, a Pollution Control Vessel, an Offshore Patrol Vessel, and Dornier aircraft for surveillance. The team stabilized the vessel by arresting leakages and using de-flooding pumps. While a minor palm-oil sheen was observed, it dissipated, and the vessel was towed toward the Paradip anchorage. The ICG continues to maintain a watch to ensure marine environmental safety.