Indian Coast Guard rescues nine crew members of vessel that sank in North Arabian Sea

The vessel sank in a location which was located approximately 311 km west of Porbandar, Gujarat in Pakistan’s Search and Rescue Region (North Arabian Sea).

"The search and rescue mission, carried out under challenging sea conditions, showcased exceptional collaboration between the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centres (MRCCs) of Mumbai and Karachi, Pakistan," read a statement issued by the Indian Defence Ministry.

The vessel, which had set sail from Mundra, Gujarat, and headed to Socotra, Yemen, was battered by rough seas and onboard flooding.

The distress call was detected by an ICG Dornier aircraft during a routine surveillance flight, prompting immediate action by the MRCC, Mumbai & ICG Regional Headquarters (North West) in Gandhinagar.

"ICGS Shoor, already on patrol nearby, was dispatched at top speed to the scene, while MRCC Pakistan alerted vessels in the area," the statement said.

After an intense search, the crew was located onboard a life raft, taking refuge after abandoning the vessel.

The rescue operation was completed at around 4 PM, just before the vessel sank completely.

"All crew members were safely brought aboard ICGS Shoor, where they were provided medical assistance and declared in good health," the statement said.

The sailors were transported to Porbandar Harbour.