Cyclone Biparjoy: Indian Coast Guard evacuates 50 lives from Gujarat's Okha

Gandhinagar, Jun 14: In a swift and well-coordinated move, Indian Coast Guard (ICG) evacuated 50 lives on Jun 13, at Okha, Gujarat as a preventive measure of severe cyclone Biprajoy. The Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH) had requested Indian Coast Guard (ICG) for evacuation of 50 crew from jack up rig 'KEY SINGAPORE/01' located 25 nm west of Okha, Gujarat on Jun 12 Jun.

On receipt of the request, ICG initiated the operation for the safe evacuation of all 50 crews onboard the rig in rough weathers and high seas. ICG Ship Shoor was diverted immediately for rescue operations. Meanwhile, ICG Helicopter (CG 858) was also positioned from Rajkot to Okha for evacuation.

Also read: NB Explains | Cyclone Biparjoy: Everything you need to know about the storm

In a nerve-racking operation, ICG evacuated 26 crew by the evening of Jun 12. Consequently, the operation resumed with first light on Jun 13, which resulted in safe evacuation of remaining 24 crew, bringing all 50 crew to safety ashore. The operation has been completed successfully.

Also read: 5.4 magnitude earthquake hit J&K, tremors felt in Delhi

The cyclone 'BIPARJOY' (Extremely severe cyclonic storm) has been noticed forming in Arabian Sea from Jun 6. ICG has been undertaking pre-emptive and preventive measures at sea.