Cyclone Tauktae: Indian Navy rescues 180 personnel in search, rescue operations; See Photos-

Mumbai, May 19: As Cyclone Tauktae caused severe damage to property and lives, the Indian Navy has rescued a total of 180 personnel so far from Barge P-305 amid a dangerous challenge posed to the ships and aircraft involved in Search and Rescue (SAR) operations.

 

 

 

The Indian Naval Ships - Beas, Betwa, and Teg - joined INS Kochi and Kolkata for undertaking SAR operations for Barge P-305, which sank 35 nautical miles from Mumbai (in the Mumbai Offshore Development Area). SAR has also been augmented with P8I and naval helicopters, who continue to undertake aerial search in the area.

 

 

In another operation, an Indian Navy Seaking helicopter was launched to rescue crew of GAL Constructor, which ran aground North of Mumbai. The helo rescued 35 crew members of GAL Constructor.

 

 

 

 

Besides, SAR efforts are also in progress off the coast of Gujarat for three vessels namely Support Station 3, Great Ship Aditi and Drill Ship Sagar Bhushan, which are 15-20 nautical miles South East off Gujarat coast (Pipavav). INS Talwar has arrived in the area and taken over the duties of 'On-Scene Coordinator' for coordination of the SAR effort.

 

 

 

"The Western Naval Command, in coordination with ONGC and DG shipping, has diverted five tugs to render assistance. Great Ship Aditi and Support Station 3 have been able to drop anchor. Meanwhile, OSV’s Samudra Sevak and SV Cheel are connected to manoeuvre Sagar Bhushan, and the situation at present appears to be stable," the Ministry added.

 

 

Further, it informed, "The sea continues to be extremely rough with sea state 4-5 and winds 25-30 knots (approx 35 - 55 kmph), posing a challenge to the ships and aircraft involved in SAR operations."

 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit Gujarat today to assess the situation in the state and hold meetings to review the relief work done in the state. On the other hand, Cyclone Tauktae has impacted the weather conditions in several parts of Northern India. Many areas like Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan and Delhi are likely to witness rainfall in the coming few hours.

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