Indian Coast Guard saves flood-hit cargo vessel MV SITTHAA off Tamil Nadu coast

The Indian Coast Guard successfully stabilised cargo vessel MV SITTHAA after flooding affected multiple compartments off Tiruchendur, Tamil Nadu. A specialist boarding team coordinated emergency repairs and dewatering before escorting the vessel toward Tuticorin Port for permanent repairs, ensuring crew and environmental safety

New Delhi: The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) successfully responded to a distress situation involving cargo vessel MV SITTHAA after it developed flooding in multiple compartments off the coast of Tiruchendur in Tamil Nadu, deploying a specialist boarding team to assist in emergency stabilisation operations, officials said on Monday.

The incident occurred on June 27, when the vessel reported flooding in several compartments while sailing off the Tamil Nadu coast. Responding swiftly to the distress call, the Coast Guard dispatched ICG Ship Atulya to the location to provide immediate assistance and help prevent the situation from escalating.

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In a post shared on X, the Indian Coast Guard detailed the rescue operation and the coordinated efforts undertaken to safeguard the vessel, its crew and the surrounding marine environment.

“Responding swiftly to a distress call from MV SITTHAA due to flooding in multiple compartments whilst off Tiruchendur (Tamil Nadu) on 27 Jun 26, India Coast Guard ship Atulya rendered immediate assistance,” it said.

Providing further details of the operation, the Coast Guard said its personnel remained actively involved throughout the emergency response while maintaining close coordination with all stakeholders.

“ICG’s specialist boarding team coordinated with salvage experts, monitored emergency repairs and dewatering operations & ensured flooding remained under control. Vessel advised to proceed to Tuticorin Port for sustainable repairs with ICG maintaining close coordination with Master, salvage company and Port authorities to ensure safety of crew, vessel and marine environment,” it added.

The ICG also shared a video of the operation, which showed personnel carrying out pumping and flood-control measures inside the vessel’s machinery spaces as part of the emergency response.

The latest operation adds to a series of rescue missions undertaken by the Indian Coast Guard in recent months.