Port Blair, July 11: On 13 Jun 24, MV ASL Courageous, accompanied by barge ASLCO 300008, departed Port Sabang, Indonesia, carrying 68 KL of fuel destined for Tuticorin. Encountering severe weather, the vessel’s speed was drastically reduced to 1-2 knots. Facing a ‘No-Go’ situation, the master decided to return to Port Sabang on 24 Jun to refuel, intending to resume the voyage once conditions improved. However, the vessel exhausted its remaining fuel on 29 Jun 24 and began drifting within the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
The drifting vessel was promptly detected by the Joint Operations Center (JOC) of Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) and was classified as a Vessel of Interest (VoI) on 30 Jun. HQ ANC maintained constant surveillance over the vessel. Despite efforts to arrange for necessary bunkerage, the vessel remained without fuel.
On 02 July, the vessel was observed drifting towards Indian Territorial Waters at a rate of 1.1 knots. INS Kulish, in the vicinity, was directed to intercept the vessel. INS Kulish successfully intercepted the vessel within territorial waters on 02 July. The vessel’s request to anchor was initially denied pending clearance from ANC. On 03 July, the vessel, now 7 nm from the West Coast of Great Nicobar Island, requested emergency permission to anchor against the danger of being washed ashore. Noting the deteriorating conditions, HQ ANC granted the tug permission to anchor. INS Kulish boarded the vessel to verify the situation. Following this, INS Kulish resumed routine patrolling, while Coast Guard District Headquarters at Campbell Bay deployed additional monitoring platforms.
On the intervening night of July 4 th and 5 th , the vessel’s anchor began dragging due to strong sea currents, leading to an emergency on 05 July. INS Kulish and ICGS Rajveer responded immediately. INS Kulish towed the ship and barge, but the towline broke after a few miles of towing. The barge was anchored in deep water, and the tugboat was tied to it.
ICGS Rajveer kept a close watch of the situation.
Rescue boat MV Al Aqsa I requisitioned by the ship owner arrived on 06 July to provide assistance. After refueling by MV Al Aqsa I, MV ASL Courageous departed Indian waters safely for Port Sabang at 1900h on 06 Jul 24.
The timely and effective assistance provided by the Andaman and Nicobar Command and the Indian Armed Forces highlights India’s unwavering commitment in ensuring maritime safety and aiding foreign vessels in distress within the region. This operation reaffirms India’s role as a steadfast security partner in the maritime domain of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
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