
Coastguards averts a major ecological disaster off Nicobar Island by towing a oil tanker to safety
Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has averted a major ecological disaster off the
bio-sensitive ecology of pristine Nicobar islands after a oil tanker MT
Anasthasia-1 enroute to Dubai carrying approximately 910 Million Tons of bunker
fuel, was towed to safety after the vessel suffered a power breakdown and was
dangerously drifting towards Kachall island.
The vessel, which had 24 crew onboard, experienced total power failure
since November 19. On receipt of information by Maritime Rescue Coordination
Centre (MRCC) Port Blair, a navigational warning was issued and International
safety Net was activated for alerting merchant mariners. Indian Coast Guard
boat from Campbell Bay was rushed for assessment of the situation. ICG Multi
Mission Vessel Vishwast on routine surveillance off Nicobar Islands was also
diverted.
Indian Coast Guard boarding team embarked the vessel and repaired the Fleet
Broadband Communication equipment, made the Automatic Identification System
operational and prepared the anchor chain cables of the vessel for manual
lowering. Despite dedicated liaison of Indian Coast Guards with owners based at
Kochi, the owners failed to provide tug for assistance.
The vessel was
drifting dangerously towards Katchall island