**Indian Coast Guard Rescues Sailors from Stranded US Yacht**
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) successfully rescued two sailors from the US sailing vessel, Sea Angel, which became stranded in turbulent waters southeast of Indira Point in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The rescue operation commenced late Thursday night after the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Port Blair received a distress signal from the US Consulate in Chennai.
The alert indicated that the yacht, carrying one American and one Turkish crew member, had lost power and was drifting approximately 52 nautical miles from Indira Point. According to a senior ICG official, the vessel was disabled due to severe weather conditions, with a torn sail and an entangled propeller.
In a statement on X, the ICG described the operation: “Heroic rescue at sea! Indian Coast Guard ship Rajveer braved raging winds & rough seas to save US yacht Sea Angel with two crew, after complete propulsion failure near Indira Port.” The MRCC promptly activated the International Safety Net, notifying nearby vessels and initiating a rescue mission.
The ICG ship Rajveer arrived at the yacht’s location on Friday morning. Upon inspection, the Coast Guard team discovered the yacht’s sail was damaged and ropes were caught in the propeller, rendering it immobile. They established communication with the sailors and assessed the condition of the boat.
The Sea Angel was taken under tow and safely transported to Campbell Bay harbor by 8:00 AM on Friday, with both crew members reported to be unharmed. The ICG confirmed, “Sea Angel was taken under tow at 1850 Hrs and brought safely to Campbell Bay at 0800 Hrs on 11 Jul 25.”
This successful operation follows a recent rescue by the Indian Coast Guard, where three Sri Lankan nationals were saved from a sandbar near Adam’s Bridge off the coast of Dhanushkodi in Tamil Nadu. The trio had reportedly traveled from Sri Lanka in an unidentified boat, which left them stranded within Indian territorial waters.
In summary, the Indian Coast Guard’s prompt response and effective rescue efforts highlight their commitment to maritime safety and the protection of lives at sea.
**FAQ**
**What should sailors do in case of an emergency at sea?**
Sailors should immediately contact maritime rescue services via radio or distress signals, provide their location, and ensure they have safety equipment on board to assist in their rescue.
