Other Assistance

Fire-Fighting Onboard MV Maersk Frankfurt

On July 19, 2024, a major fire broke out on a Panamanian flagged merchant vessel ‘Maersk Frankfurt, about 102 nautical mile South West of Goa. The MV was reportedly carrying International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Cargo in containers. ICG assets (05 ships & aircraft) were mobilized swiftly to undertake fire-fighting operation. The persistent fire-fighting efforts for more than 11 days resulted in the fire being brought under control.

Fire Fighting onboard MV Maersk Frankfurt

Fire Fighting onboard MV Maersk Frankfurt

MV MSC Elsa 3 (IMO-9123221)

On 24 May 25, Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Mumbai received an information from agent of Liberian flagged vessel MV MSC ELSA 3, developing a list of 26 Degree to starboard in approx position 38 N miles South-West of Kochi, Kerala. Upon receipt of information, ICG immediately, deployed ships and aircraft to assist the distressed vessel. In a coordinated operation, all 24 crew of the vessel were rescued. On 25 May 25, the vessel sank in position approx. 42 N miles South of Kochi. The vessel was carrying 643 containers including some containers of International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) cargo and 456 MT of Very Low Sulfur Fuel Oil (VLSFO) & Marine Grade Oil (MGO). Further, to manage marine pollution/ Hazardous & Noxious Substance contingency, specialized Pollution Control Vessel was also deployed. ICG PR Strike team assisted State Administration of Kerala and Tamil Nadu in shore line cleanup. Continuous surveillance and coordinated efforts enabled the collection of 690 tons of pollutants and preventing a potentially major ecological disaster.

Sinking of MV MSC Elsa 3

Sinking of MV MSC Elsa 3

MV Wan Hai 503 (IMO-9294862)

On 09 Jun 25, a container explosion caused a major fire on the Singapore-flagged MV Wan Hai 503, 130 nm northwest of Kochi. The vessel was enroute from Colombo to Nhava Sheva, Mumbai with 22 crew. 18 were rescued and four remain missing. ICG initiated immediate search, rescue, and fire-fighting operations, deploying aircraft, ships, and coordinating with MRCC Mumbai and merchant vessels. Salvage teams secured tow operations, supported by ICG logistics. Continuous monitoring continued until the vessel entered Jebel Ali, UAE, on 12 Sep 25.

FF assistance to MV Wan Hai 503

FF assistance to MV Wan Hai 503

MV Interasia Tenacity (IMO-1018145)

On 12 Jun 25, a fire erupted aboard Singapore-flagged MV Interasia Tenacity off Kerala. ICG deployed ICG Ships for firefighting and Dornier aircraft for aerial assessment. Though the crew contained the blaze, ICG maintained standby support ensuring safety and environmental protection.

Safety of Fishermen

While professionally qualified mariners are trained for 'survival at sea', fisher-folk generally lack this ability. The Indian Coast Guard conducts special classes and demonstrations to educate the fishe developing and providing low-cost Distress Alert Transmitters (DATs) for fishermen. The signal from the Distress Alert Transmitter, when activated from a fishing boat, is detected by the INSAT and relayed to the Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre (MRCC), Chennai, which is the hub for DATS. All information, including the registration number and beacon ID, is available at the MRCC to identify the boat, and its location for speedy rescue.

Survival training to Fisherfolks

Distribution of ‘DATS’ to fishermen

Medical Camps

The ICG conducts medical camps in remote locations for the fishing community to provide them special education on matters related to health and hygiene, and for distributing medicines and providing free health checkups. This aspect gains significance during natural or man-made disasters.

Building bridges with fishermen community through Medical Camps

Building bridges with fishermen community through Medical Camps