A major search and rescue operation is taking place in the Arabian Sea, after Barge P305, that was struck by cyclone Tauktae, has now been officially declared sunk.
According to reports, the Indian Navy has saved 177 people from the barge, that was carrying 273 personnel onboard.
What is more, navy ships were also deployed, after receiving request for assistance for Barge P305, which was adrift off Heera oil fields. The barge had to carry out a contract for the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC).
After the incident, search and rescue operations took place through the night, while a second search and rescue effort is taking place for the barge GAL Constructor, which had 137 people onboard, and had gone adrift off Colaba Point, because of engine trouble.
More specifically, the barge run aground about 48 nautical miles north of Colaba Point, and an emergency towing vessel, along with two support vessels and Coast Guard ships are providing assistance and evacuate the crew.
Furthermore, the navy has deployed three of its warships, as it has received messages to save 410 people onboard two barges.
Additionally, rescue operations are occuring onboard two barges and the Sagar Bhushan drillship, which are adrift in the Arabian Sea. Sagar Bhushan has 101 personnel onboard and another accommodation barge has 196 personnel onboard.
#CycloneTauktae#Update
SAR Ops Barge P305.
177 personnel rescued so far.
First batch of 03 Rescuees brought in by #IndianNavy Helo.#INSKochi & #INSKolkata along with MV Offshore Energy & MV Ahalya continue with #SAR in extremely challenging circumstances.@DefenceMinIndia pic.twitter.com/Jiede7ucEu— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) May 18, 2021
