Indian Coast Guard Ship Varuna Rescues Fishermen Left Stranded by Somali Pirates
Original Source: The Times of India
A fishing vessel with 16 crew, left stranded by Somali pirates, is rescued by the Indian Coast Guard ship, Varuna in rough weather conditions.
Close on the heels of Indian Coast Guard Ship Varuna rescuing 22 crew members, including 18 Maldivians and 4 Indians on board MV Asian Express, a Maldivian registered cargo vessel, on 12 June, on Sunday, 23 June, this vessel in Lakshadweep Islands saved a further 16 lives from fishing boat Al Husaini left stranded by pirates. The crew included 13 Iranians and three Pakistanis, more than 250 nautical miles west of Lakshadweep islands.
ICGS Varuna, proved its mettle as a saviour at sea in yet another lifesaving mission in adverse weather conditions. The fishing boat had departed Kanraka/Chahbhar port Iran on 16 May was captured by Somali pirates off Socotra. The pirates, after utilising the boat for 25 days, left it stranded on 10 June emptying food and exhausting fuel. The Indian Coast Guard was requested for assistance on 21 June. MRCC Mumbai diverted merchant vessels in proximity to render assistance.
The Coast Guard also launched an aircraft from Kochi which detected the distressed vessel on 21 June. The CG aircraft diverted ICGS Varuna for the rescue mission. In the meantime, merchant vessels in the area were unable to provide assistance due to rough weather conditions. ICGS Varuna reached the area by 22 June and, despite the prevailing hostile weather and sea state, was able to provide the bare essentials to the stranded boat and crew.
The ship also provided medical support to the distraught crew. ICGS Varuna escorted the fishing boat to Kochi in prevailing rough weather conditions.
The ship is commanded by Commander K M Arun Kumar. The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre at Mumbai, responsible for coordinating air-sea rescue in Mumbai, coordinated the rescue mission.
MRCC works under Indian Coast Guard, Commander R Vijay of ICGS said.
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