NEWS

On 13 Sep 05, Indian Coast Guard Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (Mumbai) received information from Fisheries Deptt., Mumbai that fishing boat Avadhoot (BDR-2094) which sailed from Varsova (Mumbai) on 08 Sep at 2000 hrs for fishing was overdue on AM 12 Sep 05. On receipt of information, ICG Dornier was launched at 0835 hrs on 13 Sep 05 and extensive search was carried out upto 40 NM around Khanderi Lt. (Mumbai) for the missing boat.

Fishing boats in the area were also enquired about any information on the missing fishing boat. However, the vessel Avadhoot was not sighted. Navarea VIII coordinator was approached for issuing Navarea message requesting the vessels transiting the area to render assistance to the boat. However, it was intimated by the President of Fishing Association that the boat had experienced engines breakdown and was towed by another boat in the vicinity at 1800 hrs on 13 Sep 2005. All crew members were reported to be safe.

SAR ASSISTANCE TO MECHANISED FISHING BOAT

GAURI PRASAD OKHA 151 - 10 SEP 2005

On 10 Sep 2005 ICGS Tarabai on patrol sighted MFB Gauri Prasad (Okha-151) in close proximity of a ship from Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (MSA) at about 1130 hours in position about 47 NM west of Mitha Port, Jakhau (Gujrat). Pakistan MSA ship altered course and proceeded away from IMBL on observing ICGS Tarabai approaching towards the boat. the boat reported machinery breakdown and requested assistance. The weather in the area was rough with sea state 3-4 and poor visibility.

A boarding party was embarked on the boat for further investigation. The defect was indentified but could not be repaired due to requirement of spares. As the boat was drifting close to IMBL, she was taken under tow at about 1720 hours on 10 Sep 2005 and towed in to Indian waters. The boat was subsequently handed over to MFB Laxmi Sagar proceeding towards Okha (No. 2232) in position about 23 NM west of Mitha Port at about 1815 hours. All the crew are reported to be safe.

SAR ASSISTANCE TO FISHING BOAT

OFF PORT BLAIR HARBOUR - 10 SEP 2005

At about 1500 hours on 10 Sep 205, while Indian Coast Guard work boat was on harbour patrol the crew of the work boat sighted a fishing boat adrift due to engine failure off Port Blair harbour.

Indian Coast Guard Work boat took the fishing boat under tow and brought alongside fisheries jetty off Chatham (Port Blair). The boat alongwith two rescued fishermen were handed over to the owner.

SAR AND POLLUTION RESPONSE OPERATIONS OFF TUTICORIN - 29 - 31 AUG 2005

ICG ship Naikidevi sailed from Tuticorin at about 1115 hrs on 29 Aug 05 on receipt of SAR Alert from Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre (MRCC), Chennai to render assistance to MV IIDA, a general cargo vessel carrying 950 MT of Fly Ash reportedly in distress, in position about 28 nautical miles South East of Tuticorin. On arrival at the incident site at about 1430 hrs the Mongolian registered vessel was observed listing by 45 degrees to port, with no crew onboard.

ICGS Naikidevi undertook thorough search for the missing 10 crew and sighted 07 crew members in two life rafts at 1700 hrs and rescued them. The remaining 03 crew were saved by the MV New Vega transiting through the area.

ICGS Naikidevi with 07 survivors entered Tuticorin harbour at about 2330 hrs on 29 Aug 05 and MV New Vega at 0130 hrs on 30 Aug 05.

MV IIDA finally sank AM 30 Aug 05. A thin sheen of oil has been observed and pollution response operations by ICG Dornier aircraft commenced AM 30 Aug 05. ICGS Veera was sailed to join the pollution response operations AM 31 Aug 05. The operation was terminated PM 31 Aug 05.

SAR AND POLLUTION RESPONSE

OFF BOMBAY HIGH-BHN

27 JUL - 02 AUG 2005

At about 1635 Hrs on 27 Jul 05, Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) owned vessel, MSV Samudra Suraksha, collided with ONGC platform, Bombay High North(BHN) in position 94 nautical miles NW of Mumbai. Over 300 workers abandoned the platform after A massive fire broke onboard BHN on collision. MSV Samudra Suraksha also sustained damage and was abandoned by its crew. The BHN got completely gutted by the fire. One Pawan Hans helicopter was also destroyed along with BHN, however the pilot was rescued

On receipt of incident report the Indian Search and Rescue (INDSAR) plot was updated and International Safety Net (ISN) was activated by Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre(MRCC),Mumbai. MRCC(Mumbai) identified 14 Vessels(OSVs) operating in the vicinity and diverted them to render Offshore Support assistance.

ICG Dornier aircraft was also launched in SAR configuration ex-Daman at 1810 hrs on 27 Jul 05 with rescue life rafts. The aircraft reached the area at 1845 hrs and dropped the life rafts at 1902 hrs. The fire was brought under control by 1940 hrs on 27 Jul 05. ICGS Vijaya was sailed with dispatch at 1900 hrs from Mumbai for SAR operations. ICGS Sagar sailed 03 hours later with Pollution Response Equipment and Oil Spill Dispersant (OSD) .

An ICG Dornier aircraft in pollution response configuration took off at 0605 hrs on 28 Jul 2004 and reported oil spill extending upto 10 NM from the incident site in an easterly direction towards shore and commenced aerial dispersal of OSD for neutralization. ICGS Vigraha arrived in area on 28 Jul 2005 from Porbandar with OSD and Pollution Response Equipment. ICGS Sagar has earlier commenced pollution response operations on 28 Jul 2005. Both the ICG Ships in coordination with ICG Dornier neutralized the oil spill by PM 29 Jul 2005.

MSV Samudra Suraksha was towed to Mumbai Port anchorage by Sindhu-5 under the escort of ICGS Vijaya. However, at about 0052 hrs on 02 Aug 05 MSV Samudra Suraksha sank 12½ miles northwest of Mumbai in 22 meters of water. ICGS Sangram is standing by in the vicinity for pollution response in case of any oil leaks from the sunken OSV. As on 02 Aug 2005, 363 survivors have been rescued and 11 bodies recovered. Eleven persons are still reported missing.

OIL SLICK

SAR ASSISTANCE TO SRILANKAN FISHING BOAT MALSHI

- 23 JUN 2005

A Srilankan fishing boat Malshi was reportedly adrift in position about 250 nautical miles west of Mumbai. ICG Dornier aircraft was launched at 1600 hrs on 22 Jun 2005 and sighted the vessel in position 18˚06'N 69˚25'E (200 NM west of Mumbai) at 1743 hrs. ICG Ship Sangram was also sailed from Mumbai at 1530 hrs on 22 Jun 2005 for providing necessary assistance to the fishing boat. ICG Dornier was launched again at 1000 hrs on 23 Jun 2005 for coordination of SAR. The ship reached the vessel in distress, at 1330 hrs on 23 Jun 2005.

It was observed that the fibre boat was damaged due to adverse weather and engine room was flooded upto a level of two feet. The crew, abandoned the boat and were taken onboard the ICG ship which entered Mumbai at 0900 hrs on 24 Jun 2005. The survivors were handed over to the local authorities for repatriation formalities.

RESCUE OF TWO FISHERMEN OFF VILINJAM - 16 JUN 2005

On 16 Jun 2005 at 1500 hrs,a message was received at MRCC (Mumbai) that a fishing boat with two crew on board had capsized 23 miles off Vilinjam. Merchant Vessel Cosbright Lake which was in the vicinity of the scene of accident succeeded in picking up the survivors despite adverse sea conditions. In the meanwhile Coast Guard Ship Durgabai Deshmukh was also tasked to proceed with despatch to the scene of action.

At 2300 hrs the ICG ship met up with MT Cosbright Lake, transferred the unfortunate crew, rendered medical attention to them and brought them to Kochi where they were handed over to fisheries department.

SAR MISSION OFF HAVELOCK ISLAND(A&N) - 11 JUN 2005

On 10 Jun 2005 at 1830 hrs, an alert was received that one dinghy with two persons on board whilst on transit from Havelock Island to Port Blair had gone missing.

On receiving the information, Coast Guard Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre launched a SAR mission to locate the missing craft and its crew. ICG Helicopter from Port Blair Chetak Flight was launched with first light on 11 Jun 2005.

After extensive search the missing crew were located, marooned on some rocks south west of Havelock. The survivors were rescued from there. Despite adverse weather conditions, the helicopter crew successfully winched up the two men and air lifted them to Port Blair. Both survivors are in good health.

SAR OPERATION FOR MV FAIZ BY ICGS CHANDBIBI, JIJA BAI AND ICG DORNIER - 01 JUN TO 06 JUN 2005

An Indian owned cargo vessel MV Faiz belonging to ITT Shipping (Private ) Limited , Kolkata sailed from Yangon/ Myanmar at about 1830 hrs on 27 May 2005. The vessel, carrying 800 MT of pulses was bound for Kolkata. The last contact by the vessel was made at about 1600 hrs on 30 May 2005 from a position which was approximately 115 nautical miles off Sandheads. The ship was to reach Sandheads at 0800 Hrs on 31 May 2005.

On 01 Jun 2005 at 1230 Hrs, MRSC, Haldia was alerted and assistance sought for search of the ship which was overdue to arrive Sandheads.

ICGS Chand Bibi

MV Faiz Located at 0800 Hrs on 02 Jun 2005 by ICG Dornier Aircraft

MRSC(Haldia), immediately launched an ICG Dornier aircraft ex- Kolkata to locate the vessel. ICGS Chandbibi, on patrol in area was also diverted to provide assistance to the vessel. In the meantime maritime safety message was activated alerting and requesting assistance from other ships transiting through the area. ICGS Jijabai at Paradip was also kept standby to sail at short notice. ICG Dornier carried out extensive search , but the vessel could not be located. The weather conditions in the area was severe and visibility was poor.

On 02 Jun 2005, with day break, a comprehensive SAR operation was launched with the ICG Dornier airborne at first light from Kolkata. ICGS Jijabai was also sailed from Paradip. The ICG Dornier located the vessel at about 0800 hrs in position 180 nautical miles East of Paradip. The vessel s superstructure and accommodation area was observed burnt with no signs of life onboard. It appeared that the crew had abandoned the vessel and embarked on the liferaft/ lifeboat.

ICGS Chandbibi located the liferaft with 10 survivors at about 2000 hrs on 02 Jun 2005. The survivors were taken onboard the ICG ship. Preliminary information from the rescued crew revealed that a fire incident had occurred onboard at about 0010 hrs on 31 May 2005 wherein the Master, his wife, two children and the chief officer were feared to have succumbed.

The distressed vessel was boarded by ICGS Chandbibi wherein they found charred skeletal remains of two adults and two minors presumably of Master and his family. MV Atif, a vessel owned by the same company arrived at the area and commenced towing the distressed vessel. ICGS Chandbibi along with ten survivors of 'MV Faiz' entered Haldia Port AM 04 Jun 2005. The survivors were handed over to the owner in the presence of the Police.

Apparently due to heavy swell and unfavourable sea conditions, the towing rope parted at about 0520 hrs on 05 Jun 2005. MV Faiz reportedly sank on the night of 05/06 Jun 2005. The area was monitored by ICG for any oil pollution resulting from the sinking. The search effort for one missing crew was continued till 07 Jun 2005.

Aerial Photographs of Abandoned MV Faiz taken by ICG Dornier

SAR EFFORT OFF CALICUT - 08 MAY 2005

RESCUE OFF CALICUT - 08 MAY 2005

On 08 May 2005 at 1500 hrs, Coast Guard MRSC (Kochi) received information about one FRP power boat MB Dolphin in distress. The boat on passage from Lakshadweep to Kochi (via Beypore) was adrift due to mechanical problem.

On receipt of information MRCC (Mumbai) assumed co-ordination for SAR operations and

diverted ICGS Annie Besant to proceed for search and rescue. The ship effected rendezvous with the stricken vessel 52 nautical miles west of Calicut at 0400 hrs on 09 May 2005.

The boat was repaired by the ship's technical staff and made operational. The FRP boat was escorted to Beypore thereafter. They entered harbour at 1300 hrs on 09 may 2005.

RESCUE OF SRI LANKAN FISHING VESSEL "LAKMALI"

- 01 APR 2005

RESCUE OFF KAKINADA - 01 Apr 2005

The Sri Lankan Deputy High Commission informed the Indian Coast Guard on 28 Mar 2005 regarding one of their fishing vessel "Lakmali" which was adrift due to engine failure.

Coast Guard assets were pressed into service to search for the missing vessel. On activation of the International safety net, MRCC Chennai received a sighting report of the missing fishing boat about 80 miles South of Kakinada at 1630 hrs on 01 Apr 2005.

ICGS Priyadarshani was then sailed from Visakhapatnam with despatch for rendering assistance to the vessel in distress. The vessel was sighted at 0545 hrs on 02 Apr 2005.

The five exhausted and dehydrated crew were transferred to the Coast Guard Ship where they were rendered first aid, provided with food and fresh water. The Vessel was taken under tow by ICGS Priyadarshani and they proceeded for Chennai harbour. The ship arrived Chennai at 1800 hrs on 03 Apr 2005 where the vessel and its crew were handed over to the local authorities. The Sri Lankan Deputy High commission was accordingly informed about the successful mission.

SAR MISSION - FIRE ON BOARD MV X-PRESS KAVERI

- 26 MAR 2005

Fire on X-Press Kaveri Off Tuticorin

- 26 Mar 2005

Information was received by Coast Guard Station Tuticorin at 1040 hrs on 26 Mar 2005 about an explosion and fire on board 'MV X-Press Kaveri' a Singapore based vessel on passage from Colombo to Tuticorin. The fire had occurred at 0900 hrs on 26 Mar 2005. The vessel was about 40 miles South East of Tuticorin at the time of incident. ICGS Naiki Devi was sailed with despatch to provide assistance to the crew of the ill-fated ship. The ICG Ship arrived at the scene of distress at 1350 hrs on 26 Mar 2005.

The ships's technical/medical team boarded the vessel at 1405 hrs on 26 Mar 2005. The technical team evaluated the extent of damage and observed that the vessel has been completely disabled due to the fire.

ICGS Naiki Devi Approaching the Stricken Vessel for Rendering Assistance

The medical team administered first-aid to the 4th engineer, who had suffered first degree burns. However, there were no other casualties on board.

MV X-Press Kaveri was towed to Tuticorin harbour by a Tuticorin port Trust Tug and escorted by ICGS Naiki Devi. The vessel entered Tuticorin port at 0635 hrs on 27 Mar 2005.

RESCUE OF SRI LANKAN FISHING VESSEL - 22 MAR 2005

RESCUE OFF TUTICORIN

- 22 Mar 2005

On 22 Mar 2005 at 1030 Hrs, a message was received at Coast guard Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre(MRCC), Chennai that a Sri Lankan Fishing boat "Dahit Putha" was reportedly adrift for over two weeks due to engine break down, at a position 24 NM South-East of Tuticorin.

ICGS Naikidevi proceeded with despatch to the rescue of this vessel. The ship arrived at the scene of distress at 1230 Hrs and rescued seven in number crew from the disabled fishing vessel.

The ship's technical team carried out repairs on the boat's machinery while the dehydrated and exhausted crew were being administered first aid by the ship's medical team. The fishing vessel was then towed by ICGS Naikidevi to Tuticorin harbour. The vessel and its crew were handed over to the shore authorities for further rehabilitation.

COLLISION AT SEA - RESCUE OF FISHERMEN OFF SAND HEADS- 03 MAR 2005

On 03 Mar 2005, a message was received at Coast guard Maritime Rescue Sub Centre(MRSC), Paradip regarding sinking of a mechanised fishing vessel 'Shivani' (with 8 crew on board) as a result of collision with an unidentified merchant vessel off Sand Heads, West Bengal.

The MRSC, Paradip, assumed coordination and launched Search and Rescue operation. Coast Guard assets were immediately pressed into service and vessels in vicinity contacted for initial response to the rescue operation.

Rescued Crew of fishing vessel "Shivani" on Board ICGS Razia Sultana

West Bengal, 03 Mar 2005

ICGS Razia Sultana and ICG Hovercraft H-186 sailed with despatch from Paradip to the scene of distress. Vessels 'MT Sadanand', 'Ocean Splendour', 'Parshuram' and 'Shilpa-5' responded to the MRSC, Paradip message and converged on the scene. Seven of the crew were saved during the search. They were taken on board ICGS Razia Sultana and given medical treatment and first aid. The ship then proceeded to Paradip for rehabilitation of the rescued crew. Meanwhile the search for the missing crew was continued by ICGS Chandbibi and H-186 till 06 mar 2005. Mariners have been alerted to keep a sharp look out for the one missing crew member.

RESCUE OF 35 BANGLADESHI FISHERMEN OFF A & N ISLANDS

-09 JAN 2005

35 Bangladeshi Survivors from Narcondam on Board ICGS Akkadevi

ICGS Akkadevi Boat to the Rescue

Narcondam, 09 Jan 2005

ICGS Akkadevi rescued 35 Bangladeshi fishermen who were adrift on a fishing boat in a dilapidated condition off Narcondam Island in A&N group of islands on 09 Jan 2005. The Bangladeshi crew of the fishing boat had been reported to be adrift for almost eight days. According to the master, the crew had set sail for fishing from Cox Bazaar in Bangladesh on 28 Dec 2004 in three different boats. But after three days of fishing, the boats were attacked by pirates. Their nets, diesel and fish was taken away and the victims were packed off on one boat. The rescued crew was provided first aid by ICGS Akkadevi. There were cases of severe dehydration, cuts and wounds which were attended by the ship's medical staff. The Fishing boat was also temporarily repaired so as to facilitate safe towing operation. There after the boat and crew were towed to Port Blair and handed over to the local authorities on 10 Jan 2005.

SEARCH AND RESCUE – MV FRESH MARKET OFF KOCHI

- 06 NOV 2004

Kochi, Nov 2004

The Coast Guard MRCC, Mumbai received a distress alert on 06 Nov 2004, from a merchant vessel MV Fresh Market (of Male registration) on passage from Male to Cannanore. The vessel reported, she was adrift at a position 78 NM west of Kochi, due to machinery breakdown.
MRCC, Mumbai co-ordinated the SAR operation, directing the vessel MV Kodaijisan which was in vicinity to the rescue of ten in number crew on the stricken vessel.
All crew were rescued and ship sailed towards Kochi, where a waiting Coast Guard vessel transferred the crew and took them to Kochi harbour for recuperation and rehabilitation. The evolution was completed by nightfall of 06 Nov 2004.
MRCC, Male was informed of the complete operation and the vessel owners intimated to arrange salvage and inform families of rescued crew.

MAN OVERBOARD – SEARCH AND RESCUE OFF GUJARAT COAST

- 17 OCT 2004

Gujarat, Oct 2004

The Coast Guard Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, Mumbai received a message from the master of MV Prabhu Parvati at 1154 hrs on 17 Oct 2004. According to the information an engine room cadet, Nikon Kolipakam, was not traceable onboard the vessel since 0100 hrs on the same day. It was presumed by the ship that the cadet might have fallen overboard. MRCC, Mumbai assumed coordination and a search & rescue mission was launched. Since the position of the person fallen overboard was not accurately known, a Dornier aircraft was launched on 17 Oct 04 for aerial surveillance.

Simultaneously two interceptors were also sailed from Porbandar for search & rescue in the probable area. However, the person was not located. Meanwhile MRSC, Porbandar received an information on 22 Oct 04 that a fishing boat ISHWAR VRL – 10812 has handed over a person to Veraval harbour authorities who was rescued on 18 Oct 04 by the fishing vessel.

A joint investigation was thereafter carried out by Coast Guard, police and customs which resulted in confirmation of the person to be the missing engine room cadet. The investigation further revealed that cadet was rescued on 18 Oct 04 but was not brought by the fishing boat ashore as his condition was assessed as stable.

CYCLONE OFF SAURASTRA - SEP 2004

Saurastra
Sep 2004

A tropical Cyclonic storm had developed in the North East Arabian Sea in end Sep devastating life and property off the Saurastra coast of Gujarat. CG Ships, Aircrafts and Hovercrafts were pressed into service in round the clock search and rescue operations along the coast of Gujarat. Numerous fishermen were rescued from sea, urgent medical aid rendered and their boats towed to safety. The Coast Guard kept up intensive rescue ops at sea, maintaining close liason with shore authorities and fishing association. Fishing craft "Jay Padmini" with six crew reported missing since day one of cyclone was rescued by Coast Guard ship Kamaladevi on 11 Oct 04 at a position 92 miles North West of Porbander where she was adrift. The crew in dire need of food, water and medical treatment were given all neccessary assistance. Coast Guard operations are continuing in the area, as reports of distress are still coming in.

COAST GUARD EFFORT OFF AGATTI ISLAND - 15 SEP 2004

Lakshadeep, India
15 SEP 2004

Two British tourists while carrying out pleasure diving with scuba sets alongwith a diving instructor, Shri Udhay Sher Singh were reported missing on 14 Sep 2004 off Agatti Island in Lakshadeep. Coast Guard Maritime Rescue Sub Centre, Kochi was alerted on 15 Sep.

The tourists were rescued by the boats pressed into service by the local administration. Their condition is reported to be stable. Coast Guard assets and an IAF helicopter searched for the diving instructor from 15 Sep to 20 Sep. No sign of the diver was however found.

ALERT ON FISHING TRAWLER SARANI OFF PARADIP

- 20 AUG 2004

Paradip 20 Aug 2004

A distress message was received by MRSC, Paradip that a fishing trawler “Sarani” had capsized due to rough weather at about 0015 hrs on 20 Aug 04 in position 70 nautical miles east of Paradip harbour. 13 persons were reported missing and one was rescued by a trawler operating in the area. The Coast Guard activated the ops centre and diverted CGS Vajra operating in the area, for search and rescue. CGS Vajra arrived the reported position at 0700 hrs and commenced search in the most probable area. The ship continued to search the area along with other fishing trawlers till 22 Aug 2004. A Dornier ex-Kolkatta was also tasked in the area. A NAVAREA message was initiated for other vessels transiting through the area to keep a sharp lookout and render assistance if survivors are sighted.

SEARCH AND RESCUE OF SIX FISHING BOAT CREW OFF PARADIP ON 16 AUG 2004

         At around 1515 hrs in the afternoon of 16 Aug 2004, Coast Guard authorities situated at Paradip received information that a fishing boat had capsized off Mahanadi river mouth. It was intimated that there were six fishermen on board a fibreglass vessel. Reacting immediately to the situation, a Coast guard Fast Patrol Vessel, CGS Raziya Sultana was sailed with dispatch.. On being designated as SAR unit, the ship commenced preparation for sailing. The Ships Company was recalled without delay and other necessary arrangements for readiness of all equipment including main engines were carried out expeditiously. Two locals of the fishing community were also embarked on board.
        There was visible excitement and a sense of purpose in the ship’s Company of ICGS Raziya Sultana as they cast off for their mercy mission at 1655 hrs. The success rate of their mission was estimated to be very high. However the weather played spoilsport as heavy downpour with overcast sky ensued, resulting in poor visibility and hazardous Navigation, compounded by dense Merchant shipping traffic in the channel. The ship navigated the harbour with extreme caution and was at the breakwater at 1730 hrs. The ship cleared the channel and set course North Eastwards at 1750 hrs. Eventually the silhouette of the capsized boat with few men clinging to it was spotted by sharp lookouts and shortly the two locals confirmed that the boat was the same. The ship approached the flotsam much to the relief of exhausted survivors hanging on to the overturned boat. The ship then lowered its Gemini boat into the water and rescued all six personnel of the fibreglass boat. The fibreglass boat was then tied with ropes and was taken under tow in overturned condition as it was difficult to righten the boat in prevailing Heavy swells and incessant Rains. The evolution took time and soon it was dark.
        The heavy merchant shipping movement in and outbound from Paradip Port delayed the entry of the ship with rescued men and boat by a further hour. The ship ICGS Raziya Sultana alongwith the rescued boat crew and the overturned boat under tow navigated through the channel and entered harbour at around 1945 hours. Subsequently, in the harbour the boat was pulled up on the beach and handed over to the local fishermen. The rescued crews were also re-united to their brethren fishing community much to their delight.
        The Mission lasted 3 hours and terminated with the rescue of the six crew without any damage to man or material.

ASSISTANCE TO CIVIL ADMINISTRATION- DAMAN, SILVASSA &VAPI- 03 AUG 2004

Daman,Silvassa & Vapi, 03 Aug 2004

Due to heavy rains and release of excess water from Daman Ganga river dam(Madhuban), all the areas in Daman, Silvassa and adjoining Valsad were flooded. The waters also washed away the recently constructed river bridge. In aid of civil administration the Indian Coast Guard activated its disaster relief/search and rescue plan in close co-ordination with other organisations. Coast Guard helicopters were deployed for rescuing 12 stranded persons and for dropping food packets to marooned people.