Port Blair, July 07: MFV Viraj with seven crew which was operating in Northern Group of Islands, developed a technical snag at 0400 hours on 05 July 2019 and was in distress. The master sought assistance from other dinghy operating in area for repairs, however he was unsuccessful. Later, the master shifted five fishermen to Long Island and other two remained in the fishing boat. In the meanwhile, the owner of the fishing boat contacted Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC), Port Blair for assistance at about 2130 hours. On receipt of information, Indian Coast Guard promptly diverted Coast Guard Ship Rajkiran for assistance.
Despite rough weather with strong winds, Indian Coast Guard Ship Rajkiran successfully located the distressed boat MFV Virajnear Middle Button Islandat about 0530 hrs on 06 July 2019 . Ship’s technical staff boarded the vessel and checked for feasibility of repairs. In the meantime, the five crew with a mechanic ex-Long Island also arrived. The technical staff and local mechanic after inspection of the boat concluded that the repair is not feasible. Since, the boat could not be repaired at sea, the ship commenced towing of the boat at 0930 hours and was brought to Long Island. Later, MFV Viraj along with seven crew was handed over to another boat arranged by the owner off Long Island at 1215 hrs on 06 July 2019.
The Coast Guard Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) at Port Blair coordinates Maritime SAR for the Andaman & Nicobar Search and Rescue Region. Any distress alert at sea may be intimated to MRCC, Port Blair on toll free number 1554. A communique received from PRO Coast Guard. “VyamRakshamah – We Protect”.