Mangaluru: The Karnataka Coast Guard and New Mangalore Port Trust (NMPT) rescued 20 persons from the distressed dredger, ‘Tridevi Prem’ in the wee hours of Monday, September 2.

According to Coast Guard Karnataka DIG SS Dasila, the dredger, owned by Mercator Limited of Mumbai and carrying 13 crew members, was anchored within the port limits as it was involved in dredging the channel on a contractual basis with NMPT.

The master of the vessel had previously reported flooding in the pump room on August 31. Later that same day, the issue was reported to have been brought under control. However, on September 1 evening, the master alerted the Coast Guard and NMPT once again, and reported flooding in the same compartment.

Meanwhile, the crew members onboard the vessel continued to inform the authorities about the situation through external sources.

At around 9.45 pm, a distress message was received from the vessel, which was relayed to ICGS Amartya. The ship was then directed to the spot to ascertain the facts about the situation.

ICGS Amartya arrived at the location within a short span of time and upon establishing communication with the distressed vessel, they found that, seven members of the repair team were present onboard apart from the 13 crew members, taking the total number of persons on board to 20. Upon preliminary assessment from outside, the vessel appeared to be stable and no threat to the lives on board was observed. However, the master repeatedly continued to express his intention to abandon ship.

As the situation appeared to be under control, ICGS Amartya advised the master to be patient and not abandon the ship. The same was reiterated by the NMPT as well to no avail.

At the NMPT, the situation was being handled by the chairman and the master was advised to speak to the company before making a hasty decision.

ICGS Amartya remained in close proximity to the distressed vessel and was in constant contact with the crew in order to assure the master that the Coast Guard is monitoring the situation and that rescue assistance will be available in case of any eventualities.

Meanwhile, the weather in the area worsened rapidly with swells and poor visibility due to heavy rains. The situation was being discussed at higher levels about the possibilities of an oil spill in case the ship sank. While discussions were going on, the master of the ship lowered a lifeboat and the 13 crew members abandoned the dredger at around 2.30 AM, leaving behind the seven members of the repair team.

ICGS Amartya rushed to the rescue of all the 13 crew members on board the lifeboat, braving the rough weather conditions. The crew members were taken onboard the ship by 3.25 AM and given food and water. The remaining seven members of the repair team were rescued by the NMPT Tug Ocean Esteem in coordination with ICGS Amartya, Dasila informed.