Cyclone Tauktae: Navy presses more assets in SAR Ops for Barge P-305

Stepping up further the Search and Rescue Operation in the Bombay High area in the Arabian Sea, the Indian Naval Ships Beas, Betwa, and Teg joined INS Kochi and Kolkata for undergoing Search and Rescue (SAR) operations for Barge P-305, which sank 35 nautical miles from Mumbai (in the Mumbai Offshore Development Area).

“SAR has also been augmented with P8I and naval helicopters, who continue to undertake an aerial search in the area. Since the commencement of the SAR from May 17 evening, 180 survivors have been recovered so far”, the spokesperson of the Indian Navy said.

In another operation, an Indian Navy Seaking helicopter was launched to rescue the crew of GAL Constructor, which ran aground North of Mumbai. The helo rescued 35 crew members of GAL Constructor, he added.

SAR efforts are also in progress off the coast of Gujarat for three vessels: Support Station 3, Great Ship Aditi, and Drill Ship Sagar Bhushan, which are 15-20 nautical miles southeast off Gujarat coast (Pipavav).

INS Talwar has arrived in the area and taken over the duties of 'On-Scene Coordinator' for coordination of the SAR effort. In coordination with ONGC and DG Shipping, the Western Naval Command has diverted five tugs to render assistance.

Great Ship Aditi and Support Station 3 has been able to drop anchor while OSV’s Samudra Sevak and SV Cheel are connected to maneuver Sagar Bhushan, and the situation at present appears to be stable.

The sea continues to be extremely rough with sea state with the surge of 4-5 high tide and winds speed of 25-30 knots (around 35 - 55 kph), posing a challenge to the ships and aircraft involved in SAR operations, the naval spokesperson added.