Port Blair, July 05: MSV Safeena of Central Tribal Cooperative Society owned by the Nicobarese Tribal Community has been adjudged as the Best Search and Rescue (SAR) vessel Award for the year 2012 by the National Maritime Search and Rescue (NMSAR) Board, New Delhi. The award has been bestowed on MSV Safeena in recognition to the efforts put in by the crew for saving the lives of 09 fishermen, who were adrift in two engine dinghies off Car Nicobar on 03 Apr 12.
MSV Safena sailed on 02 and 03 Apr 12 on two consecutive days in search of adrift dinghies, disregarding financial loss to the company and the efforts made by the vessel are truly laudable. Despite limitations for conducting search at sea, the master and crew of the vessel conducted extensive search in close coordination with Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, (MRCC) Port Blair and Police for successful rescue of the stranded fishermen alongwith their dinghies.
MSV Safeena is wooden hulled vessel built in the year 1947 and used to ply under sails till 1950. Subsequently, the vessel was converted to Motor Vessel in 1950 at Mumbai. The vessel has glorious history, and in the past the vessel has immensely contributed by chasing and apprehending vessels engaged in poaching activities. The vessel is life line for remote islands and her services were utilised by the A&N Administration in the past. In fact, the master and crew of MSV Safeena were awarded Certificates of Merit and cash awards by then Chief Commissioner.
On behalf of MSV Safeena and Tribal Council Carnicobar, Mr. Amin Moosa Senior, Executive Manager would receive the award during the XI National Maritime Search and Rescue Board meeting scheduled on 24 Jul 12 at Chennai. The award will be conferred by the Vice Admiral MP Muralidharan, AVSM, NM, the Chairman, NMSAR Board and the Director General Indian Coast Guard.
