Coast Guard aids research vessel on fire

Mangaluru: The prompt action of the Indian Coast Guard averted a major disaster and saved the lives of 36 people including 16 scientists after a fire broke out aboard a research vessel identified as Sagar Sampada at the sea on Friday night March 15^th.

As soon as the coast guard received a distress signal from the vessel, it sent two of its ships Sujay and Vikram to its rescue. Immediately upon reaching the location, the two ships dealt with the situation relentlessly, doused the fire and rescued its crew and passengers.

The research vessel Sagar Sampada belongs to the Shipping Corporation of India and was conducting research on Marine Biology and Fishery.

After rescuing the crew and its passengers, the research vessel was brought to the New Mangalore Port Trust Harbour. The reason for the sudden fire on board of the research vessel is yet to be ascertained.