On July 10, 2025, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) successfully rescued two crew members from a distressed US-flagged yacht, "Sea Angel," near the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The yacht, carrying one U.S. and one Turkish national, encountered extremely rough sea conditions approximately 52 nautical miles southeast of Indira Point.
The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Port Blair received a distress alert from the U.S. Consulate in Chennai at 11:57 am, reporting that the Sea Angel was disabled due to a blown sail and an entangled propeller. The MRCC promptly activated the International Safety Net (ISN), alerting nearby merchant vessels and initiating rescue coordination protocols.
ICG Ship Rajveer was deployed at 2:00 PM to provide immediate assistance. Demonstrating "professionalism and precision," ICGS Rajveer reached the Sea Angel by 5:30 PM. Communication was established with the stranded crew, and an on-site assessment was conducted. Despite heavy winds and the yacht's mechanical issues, the crew was found to be safe and in good health.
By 6:50 PM, the Sea Angel was successfully taken under tow. The ICG ship escorted the yacht to Campbell Bay, arriving at the harbor at 8:00 AM on July 11. The ICG's swift response and effective coordination ensured the safety of the crew and the vessel. The rescue operation was carried out despite the rough sea conditions. The successful operation highlights the Indian Coast Guard's commitment to maritime safety and its ability to conduct complex rescue missions in challenging environments.