New Delhi, July 11 – In a swift and high-risk rescue mission, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) saved two American sailors aboard the yacht Sea Angel after it was stranded in rough seas southeast of Indira Point in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
The 16×8-meter sailing vessel had sent out a distress alert at 11:57 AM on July 10, after encountering extreme weather conditions that damaged its sail and entangled its propeller, leaving it adrift nearly 52 nautical miles from Indira Point. The vessel was carrying two crew members at the time.
Responding immediately, the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Port Blair activated the International Safety Net (ISN) and alerted nearby merchant vessels while initiating rescue coordination protocols.
The Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Rajveer was dispatched at 2:00 PM and reached the distressed vessel by 5:30 PM. Upon arrival, the crew of Rajveer established communication with the yacht and assessed the situation despite challenging sea conditions.
“The professionalism and precision of the ICG crew ensured the safety of both sailors, who were found to be in good health despite the mechanical failure and heavy winds,” said an official statement from the Coast Guard.
By 6:50 PM, Sea Angel was secured under tow and escorted back to safety. The vessel reached Campbell Bay harbor by 8:00 AM on July 11.
The successful mission reaffirms the Indian Coast Guard’s commitment to maritime safety and rapid emergency response, particularly in one of the region’s most remote and challenging nautical zones.
