Mangaluru: In a remarkable maritime rescue operation, the Indian Navy’s frontline warship INS Surat docked at New Mangalore Port after saving 18 crew members from a fire-engulfed Singapore-flagged container ship in the Arabian Sea. Among those rescued, six injured crew members have been hospitalized in Mangaluru and are reported to be in stable condition.
The incident unfolded when a major fire erupted in the vessel’s engine room, triggering a distress signal mid-sea. Responding with urgency, the Indian Navy deployed INS Surat, a state-of-the-art guided missile destroyer, which carried out the rescue in challenging maritime conditions.
Displaying exemplary coordination and skill, the crew of INS Surat successfully evacuated all onboard, ensuring no lives were lost. The swift action has been widely applauded by naval authorities and defence officials, who hailed it as a testament to India’s commitment to maritime safety.
Following the ship’s arrival, the injured crew were rushed to a private hospital for immediate treatment. Medical teams confirmed that all six are under observation and receiving necessary care.
An official statement from the Ministry of Defence is awaited, while an investigation is being launched into the cause of the fire, in collaboration with international maritime agencies, due to the vessel’s foreign registration.
This daring rescue highlights India’s growing role as a dependable force in regional maritime security and emergency response.
