Car Nicobar, Sept 3: In less than 24 hrs Indian Coast Guard conducted two rescue operations in Nicobar group of Islands and saved 12 lives in distress. Both operations were undertaken by ICGS Rajdhwaj. The efforts of the ship are singular as both missions were undertaken 300 km apart.

On the night of 01 Sep 23, ICG Ship Rajdhwaj rescued 11 lives in distress and provided   towing   assistance   to   IFB   Harishma (Reg   No.   IND-AN-SA-MM-2121). IFB Harishma alongwith 11 crew had left from Junglighat harbour on 24 Aug 23 for fishing in Nicobar group of Islands.

On 01 Sep 23 at around 1500 hrs, water ingress took place in the engine room of IFB due to rough seas leading to short circuit of 02 batteries and starting motor. The crew of the fishing boat tried to rectify the defect however all efforts were futile. At about 1930 Hrs, on receipt of request for assistance, ICGS Rajdhwaj on area patrol was diverted towards the fishing boat for rendering assistance. The Indian Coast Guard ship proceeded with best speed and carried out extensive search in area braving rough weather conditions. With dedicated and persistent efforts ICG ship located the boat and brought the IFB and her crew to the safety of Carnic harbour.

In the second mission ICGS Rajdhwaj evacuated Mr. Magdael Edilberto Pelingnon, a Filipino national suffering with severe abdominal pain from MV Thermopylae, off Campbell Bay on the night of 02 Sep 23. On receipt of distress from the vessel, ICGS Rajdhwaj proceeded with best speed from Car Nicobar to Campbell Bay and evacuated the patient to Primary Health Centre Campbell Bay. The patient is now stable and under medical observation.

The swift action in two rescue operations reflects the dedication and determination of Indian Coast Guard in assisting fishermen and saving lives at sea in consonance with its motto ‘Vayam Rakshamah’.