Indian Coast Guard Rescues Two After US Yacht Breaks Down Near Andaman Coast

On Thursday night, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) carried out a successful rescue operation off the coast of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, saving two crew members aboard a US-flagged yacht named Sea Angel. The vessel had experienced a complete propulsion failure and was left adrift approximately 52 nautical miles southeast of Indira Point, the southernmost tip of India.

The two individuals on board were identified as one American and one Turkish national. Their distress signal was relayed to the Indian authorities by the United States Consulate in Chennai. The Coast Guard immediately responded by deploying its patrol vessel, ICGS Rajveer, on July 10 to the yacht’s reported location.

According to a post shared by the Coast Guard on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the distress alert indicated an urgent need for assistance due to the vessel being non-operational in open waters. When Rajveer arrived at the scene, the crew found that the Sea Angel had suffered significant damage. The yacht’s sail had been torn off, and its propulsion system was rendered useless after the propeller became entangled in ropes, leaving the vessel unable to maneuver or make headway.

Recognizing the immediate threat to the lives of the crew members due to the vessel's disabled state and remote location, the Coast Guard initiated a towing operation. The yacht was secured and taken under tow by the ICG ship. The entire operation was conducted under challenging sea conditions and with high levels of coordination and professionalism from the Coast Guard team.

By the morning of July 11, the Sea Angel was safely brought to Campbell Bay, a key port in the southern part of the Nicobar Islands. Medical checks were conducted, and both crew members were reported to be in stable condition. They did not require emergency medical treatment, although routine care and assistance were provided.

The successful rescue highlights the Indian Coast Guard’s rapid response capabilities and its commitment to ensuring maritime safety, especially in the vast and remote waters around the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago. It also underscores the importance of international maritime cooperation, as the mission was launched following a communication from a foreign consulate.

The incident draws attention to the challenges faced by private yachts and vessels traveling through open seas, particularly in regions far from major ports or rescue stations. It also demonstrates the importance of robust communication channels and the need for preparedness in maritime travel.

In recent years, the Indian Coast Guard has significantly strengthened its maritime rescue infrastructure, particularly in the Andaman and Nicobar region, due to its strategic location and vulnerability to emergencies at sea. The Sea Angel rescue operation is a testament to these efforts.

Overall, the incident concluded without casualties or injuries, thanks to the timely intervention by Indian maritime authorities. The professionalism displayed by the crew of ICGS Rajveer in responding to an international distress call reaffirms India's standing as a reliable partner in regional maritime security and humanitarian operations.