The turbulent sea was lashing against the rocks. Everyday high tides occur since monsoon hit the Mumbai shore. Mumbai is an island city and receive heavy rainfall than most other parts of the country. Winds hit the window in the nights and you feel cold breeze along with droplets coming on your face. It is quite relaxing after the hectic schedule of Mumbai city. You will feel it, when you are staying near the hilly area or sea facing apartments. This gives you a feel good factor, until heavy rain along with wind force you to close the windows. All the things in the drawing room start falling down.
It was the midnight of 22nd June, when a merchant navy ship ‘Jindal Kamakshi’ was sailing with 20 crew members about 40 nautical miles North West of Mumbai harbour and 25 nautical miles off the Vasai near Palgarh coast. Because of high tides, Arabian Sea waters started devilishly entering the vessel and flooding the deck. The vessel started tilting towards one side. The captain of the ship had to take a call and act responsibly. Intelligently, he sent a distress signal knowing well that their lives were in danger. Promptly, Indian Navy’s SeaKing 42C helicopter was pressed into service and 19 crew members were airlifted around 2 am while the captain of the ship was rescued later on by Indian Coast Guard’s helicopter and they reached near the shore at 7:30 am. More vessels of the Indian Navy are reportedly rushed to the site to ensure that the listing merchant ship does not drift towards Mumbai shorelines. Hats off to the cadres of Indian Navy and to the Captain of the vessel who waited till the end at the vessel.
This brave act of rescuing through raging winds is reminiscent of a film ‘the Guardian’, starring Kevin Costner and Ashton Kutcher. If anyone is aware of the thorough training and fitness required to be a sea–fighter, then they will also aware that you need courage and be fearless to join this squad. Physical fitness is mandatory but it is a secondary aspects. It’s a matter of life and death. Anything can happen. In the film, there was a vortex and Kevin Costner rescues the last person on board but while he was being hauled up by Ashton he knew he was going to be pulled by it. Ashton Kutcher is torn because he has nurtured him like a guardian. It’s a must watch film for filmy buffs.
In a second incident happened on 24th June, fourteen crew members of a sinking ship were rescued off Daman coast on Wednesday morning. The dramatic sea rescue was carried out jointly by the Indian Navy and the Coast Guard. The vessel sank 24 nautical miles south of Daman (75 nautical miles north of Mumbai).
According to Indian Navy, an SOS was received from vessel MV Coastal Pride – a cement carrier – early in the morning.
One SeaKing chopper of the Navy and two Chetak of the Coast Guard were deployed for the rescue operation. Rescued crew members have been safely evacuated to Umargaon.
Hats –Off to the Indian Navy and Coast Guard.
Allka V Aswani
