Kaup tugboat incident: 40 hrs since 9 labourers stranded at sea

Mangaluru: The nine crew members of the tugboat ‘Coromondel’ which got stranded after hitting rocks off Mulky coast here on Sunday, May 16 are waiting for the rescue team to reach them.

The Indian Coast Guard is making efforts for the last 40 hours amid raging waves to rescue the crew after they sent a video message seeking help.

Coromandel, the tug vessel, owned by Kirosh company, is also contracted by New Mangalore Port Trust (NMPT).

Coast Guard vessels and personnel were unable to go near Coromandel in the rough seas even though an ICG Ship escorted the tug from a distance, NMPT sources said.

On Saturday, one person died and five others were missing after a tug boat contracted by NMPT capsized off Mangaluru coast.

Two of the crew members were rescued, while search is on for five others.

The rescue operations are being monitored by Udupi SP N Vishnuvardhan, additional DC Sadashiva Prabhu, Coast Guard, Navy and police officials, sources said.