Cargo vessel sinks off Mangaluru coast; coast guard rescues all 6 crew members

A fishing vessel transporting cargo from Mangaluru to Lakshadweep sank in the Arabian Sea, about 60 nautical miles off the coast of Mangaluru, following a technical failure. All six crew members aboard were rescued safely by the Indian Coast Guard.

The vessel, named MSV Salamat, departed from Mangaluru port on May 12 and was en route to Kadamath Island in Lakshadweep, with an expected arrival date of May 18. It was carrying cement and other construction materials essential for infrastructure development in the islands.

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Midway through its journey, the vessel encountered a technical malfunction, which allowed seawater to enter the hull, leading to its eventual sinking in deep waters. The six-member crew managed to abandon the ship in time, using a small dinghy to stay afloat.

Upon receiving the distress signal, the Indian Coast Guard swiftly dispatched patrol vessel ICGS Vikram, which was already on routine patrol in the area. The rescue team successfully located and saved all crew members: Ismail Sharif, Aleman Ahmed Bai Gawd, Kakal Suleman Ismail, Akbar Abdul Surani, Kasam Ismail, and Ajmal.

The timely response of the Coast Guard prevented any casualties. Authorities are now investigating the cause of the technical fault that led to the sinking of MSV Salamat.