Indian Coast Guard Averts Maritime Disaster, Rescues Chemical Tanker Off Paradip

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) successfully averted a major maritime disaster after responding to a distress call from MT Seagull 9 off the coast of Paradip in Odisha.

Following the emergency alert, ICGS Vishwast launched a swift rescue operation to assist the unstable chemical tanker, which was carrying around 9,000 MT of palm oil and 23 crew members.

Amid challenging and high-risk conditions, a specialist Damage Control Team boarded the vessel and undertook emergency measures to stabilize it. The team deployed submersible pumps, de-flooded the ballast tanks and sealed damaged sea pipelines, helping prevent further flooding and stabilizing the tilting tanker.

To strengthen pollution response and maintain continuous surveillance, an ICG Pollution Control Vessel and an Offshore Patrol Vessel were also diverted to the site.

An ICG Dornier aircraft conducted aerial surveillance and confirmed that the minor palm-oil sheen observed in the sea had completely dissipated.

The vessel has now been safely taken under tow and is being escorted towards Paradip. Indian Coast Guard units continue to maintain an active watch over the area to ensure the safety of the crew and protect the marine environment.