The search and rescue operations spanning over 24 hours by the Coast Guard carried out with the help of ships,helicopters and aircraft saved lives of nine crew members of the capsized vessel Khawaja E Karim on Friday. On Thursday,the Coast Guard had rescued 11 crew members of Safina Hussaini. Both country-made vessels were on their way to Salaya in Jamnagar district from Sharjah (UAE). Caught in cyclonic conditions following low pressure in the Arabian Sea,these two vessels had capsized some 35 nautical miles off Okha coast on Thursday. The rescue operations were launched on Thursday. Coast Guard vessel Sangram continued search in the area for the missing crew. The rescue efforts were intensified on Friday by flying a helicopter from Porbandar and a Dornier aircraft from Daman. The helicopters reported sighting of survivors. Sangram proceeded to the position and rescued all the nine crew members from floating debris around 3 pm. The survivors were provided with medical assistance onboard for quick recovery. Sangram with all the rescued crew members entered the Porbandar harbour at 5 pm. Post-capsizing,the situation is monitored in the area very closely for any eventuality of oil pollution as the exact quantity and nature of the fuel onboard vessel at the time of capsizing is not known. Indian Coast Guard ships and aircraft are keeping constant surveillance in the area and are preparing to deal with any contingency.
