Defense News ,India :- In a remarkable rescue operation on January 16, 2024, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) came to the aid of 182 pilgrims who found themselves stranded on a ferry near Namkhana, Kakdwip. The incident unfolded in the early hours as the pilgrims were returning from the Ganga Sagar Mela, having taken a holy dip on Makar Sankranti. Unfortunately, the ferry ran aground due to extremely poor visibility.
Upon receiving a distress message from the District Magistrate of South 24 Paraganas, the Coast Guard District Headquarters No. 8 in West Bengal swiftly mobilized their operations team. The stranded vessel, MV Swasthya Sathi, was carrying around 400 pilgrims from the Ganga Sagar Mela on Sagar Island to Kakdwip, as stated in an official statement by the Indian Coast Guard.
Taking immediate action, the Coast Guard deployed two ACVs (Hovercraft) from Haldia and Sagar Island to assist in the rescue operation. Arriving at the scene by 0840 hrs on January 16, the hovercrafts assessed the situation and finalized an evacuation plan. Simultaneously, a Coast Guard team reached the stranded vessel to reassure the people, providing them with information about the evacuation plan.
The hovercrafts began evacuating personnel around 0850 hrs to the nearest point at Lot No. 8 Jetty, Kakdwip. By 1100 hrs on January 16, all 182 pilgrims onboard the ferry were successfully evacuated. Subsequently, as the water level rose, the boat floated and, under the guidance of the hovercrafts, moved with the remaining pilgrims towards a safe destination.
This swift and well-executed rescue operation by the Indian Coast Guard exemplifies their dedication to ensuring the safety of citizens in challenging situations.
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