Cyclone Arnab has disrupted coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh, creating challenges for ships at sea. A cargo vessel near the Kakinada coast is now the focus of a rescue effort as authorities work to bring its crew to safety.
The Indian Coast Guard launched a rescue operation on Thursday for six crew members aboard the bulk carrier Sigma Pearl, which became stranded near the Ravva oilfield in the Bay of Bengal.
The ship, which sails under the Marshall Islands flag, reportedly suffered engine failure while travelling back to Singapore after unloading cargo at Visakhapatnam port. The failure is suspected to be linked to Cyclone Arnab.
The Coast Guard deployed a helicopter and a vessel to support the operation. Its Offshore Patrol Vessel Sujay was also sent towards the stranded ship. Rescue teams used a helipad in Mogalthur village, West Godavari district, to assist their efforts.
Local authorities in West Godavari are supporting the operation. The ship had left Visakhapatnam around 12:17 a.m. on October 27, as the cyclone approached the region.
