Panamanian boat in distress rescued by Coast Guard

Coast Guard authorities from Mangalore in coastal Karnataka have rescued a Panama registered motor tug, which was in distress off the Lakshadweep.

The motor tug Energy, proceeding to Singapore with nine crew members on board, was adrift in the seas for almost a week due to a major breakdown in the machinery. The rescue came after the Marine Rescue Co-ordination Centre in Mumbai received a message and intimated the Coast Guard authorities in Mangalore.

According to officials, the Coast Guard ship Annie Besant, based in Mangalore was diverted from the Exclusive Economic Zone, to help the tug in distress. The vessel was brought to Mangalore, where it is presently berthed at the New Mangalore Port.

The vessel, which was adrift in the seas since October 7, had exhausted its ration supplies. Also, the adrift vessel was posing a hindrance to the navigation of vessels transiting the busy sea route off Lakshadweep.