New Delhi/Bengaluru: The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) successfully rescued six crew members from a cargo vessel that sank approximately 60 nautical miles off the coast of Mangaluru while en route to Lakshadweep, officials reported on Friday.
The ICG shared images on X of its patrol ship, ‘Vikram,’ which was promptly diverted to conduct the search and rescue operation.
At 12:15 PM on May 14, the ICG received a distress signal from the MT Epic Susui, a passing vessel that reported sighting a small dinghy adrift with six survivors aboard, roughly 52 nautical miles off the coast of Surathkal, Karnataka. A senior official stated that the ICG ship ‘Vikram,’ already on routine patrol in the vicinity, immediately altered its course to assist.
The Coast Guard team quickly located the dinghy and successfully rescued all six survivors. Following the operation, the ICG reported on X that it had previously responded to another distress alert, rescuing crew members from the MSV Salamath, which sank 60 nautical miles off Mangaluru while traveling from New Mangalore, Karnataka, to Kadmatt Island, Lakshadweep.
After their evacuation, all survivors received medical attention and were transported to New Mangalore Port, according to the Coast Guard.
@IndiaCoastGuard swiftly responded to a distress alert and rescued six crew members of MSV SALAMATH, which sank 60 Nm off #Mangalore while on passage from #NewMangalore, #Karnataka to #Kadmatt Island, #Lakshadweep. #ICG Ship Vikram, whilst on patrol, was diverted for the #SAR and… pic.twitter.com/J2zJW7Kpke
— Indian Coast Guard (@IndiaCoastGuard) May 16, 2025
Preliminary investigations suggest that the vessel, which departed port on May 12, began taking on water at 5:30 AM on May 14, ultimately leading to its sinking. The cargo vessel was carrying a mixed load of cement and construction materials, although the exact cause of the flooding remains under investigation.
The rescued crew members—Ismail Shareef, Alemun Ahmed Bhai Ghavda, Kakal Suleman Ismail, Akbar Abdul Surani, Kasam Ismail Mepani, and Azmal—managed to abandon the sinking vessel.
The survivors received first aid and were safely transported to New Mangalore Port, arriving on May 15. Local authorities will conduct further interviews with the rescued crew members to investigate the circumstances surrounding the vessel’s sinking, as stated by the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).
The ICG reaffirms its unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives at sea and ensuring maritime safety and security throughout the region.
