Paradip: The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) came to the rescue of an unstable chemical tanker off the coast of Paradip in Odisha on Monday.
Following a distress call from the foreign vessel, which was carrying 9,000 metric ton (MT) of palm oil, ICG swung into action to avert a major disaster in the Bay of Bengal. The chemical tanker was saved from capsizing and safely taken in tow, and all 23 crew members saved.
“Following a critical distress call from MT Seagull 9 off #Paradip, #ICGS Vishwast launched a swift & decisive operation to rescue the unstable chemical tanker carrying 9,000 MT palm oil & 23 crew members,” Indian Coast Guard posted on X.
Sharing details of the mid-sea operation, ICG said that a specialist Damage Control Team boarded the vessel, used submersible pumps to remove water from the ballast tanks and sealed damaged sea-pipelines to stabilise the tilting ship.
An ICG Pollution Control Vessel and an Offshore Patrol Vessel were diverted to the site to strengthen pollution response and maintain continuous surveillance.
An ICG Dornier aircraft confirmed that the minor palm-oil sheen observed in the water around that area had completely dissipated.
“The ship is now safely under tow towards Paradip. ICG units remain on active sentinel watch, ensuring safety and protecting our oceans 24/7,” ICG said.
Averting a major disaster at sea!
Following a critical distress call from MT Seagull 9 off #Paradip, #ICGS Vishwast launched a swift & decisive operation to rescue the unstable chemical tanker carrying 9,000 MT palm oil & 23 crew members.
Braving high-risk conditions, the… pic.twitter.com/3F1h4d1Yid
— Indian Coast Guard (@IndiaCoastGuard) September 28, 2026
The ICG, the maritime law enforcement agency of the country, has done remarkably well in responding to emergencies at sea, combat marine pollution, and provide humanitarian assistance.
On September 11, ICG safely evacuated 21 crew members after merchant vessel MV KMAX EMPEROR collided with another merchant ship, MV TRUE MARINER, near the outer anchorage OTB Kandla in Gujarat.
A month ago, ICG carried out search and rescue operations after cargo ship MV Ocean Winner sank in the Bay of Bengal. The vessel, carrying over 71,000 metric tonnes of iron ore fines from Paradip port to China, sank around 290 nautical miles off Paradip. The vessel was carrying 24 crew members, including 20 Chinese nationals, one Bangladeshi and three Myanmar nationals.