InfoSAWIT, NEW DELHI – The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) rescued 23 crew members from a foreign chemical tanker carrying approximately 9,000 metric tons of palm oil after the vessel developed a dangerous list off the coast of Paradip in Odisha, India.
The incident involved the MT Seagull 9, which issued a distress signal before Indian authorities launched a rescue and stabilization operation. The vessel was subsequently brought under control and towed toward Paradip under the escort of Indian Coast Guard units.
According to information reported by Times of India and republished by InfoSAWIT, the operation took place on Monday, with specialized personnel deployed aboard the tanker to address the emergency.
The Indian Coast Guard's Damage Control Team used submersible pumps to remove water from the vessel's ballast tanks. The team also worked to seal damaged sea pipelines in an effort to reduce the ship's list and prevent the situation from developing into a more serious maritime accident.
The ICG said the operation was conducted under challenging conditions. The patrol vessel ICGS Vishwast was among the units deployed to manage the emergency.
In addition to rescue personnel, the Indian Coast Guard deployed a pollution-control vessel and an offshore patrol vessel to monitor the situation and prepare for any potential environmental impact.
Palm Oil Sheen Detected
Beyond the safety of the crew, authorities also monitored the possibility of marine pollution following the incident.
The Indian Coast Guard reported that a thin layer of palm oil sheen was observed around the vessel. However, aerial surveillance conducted using a Dornier aircraft later indicated that the sheen had completely disappeared.
The finding reduced concerns over a wider pollution impact in the waters surrounding Paradip.
Once the vessel was stabilized, MT Seagull 9 was towed toward Paradip under Indian Coast Guard escort. Authorities continued to monitor the vessel throughout the towing operation to safeguard the crew, ship and surrounding marine environment.
The incident highlights the maritime risks associated with transporting large volumes of vegetable oils, particularly when a tanker experiences stability problems while operating in open waters.
Recent Indian Coast Guard Rescue Operations
The MT Seagull 9 operation follows several other maritime emergencies handled by the Indian Coast Guard in recent months.
On September 11, the ICG evacuated 21 crew members from the merchant vessel MV KMAX EMPEROR after it collided with MV TRUE MARINER near the outer anchorage area of OTB Kandla in Gujarat.
Earlier, on August 21, the Coast Guard conducted a search-and-rescue operation after the cargo vessel MV Ocean Winner sank in the Bay of Bengal, around 290 nautical miles from Paradip.
The vessel was carrying approximately 71,200 metric tons of iron ore fines from Odisha to China. There were 24 crew members on board, comprising 20 Chinese nationals, one Bangladeshi national and three Myanmar nationals.
In the latest incident, the primary focus remained on ensuring the safety of the 23 crew members aboard MT Seagull 9 while limiting the potential environmental impact as the palm oil tanker was brought safely toward Paradip. (T2)
