Indian Coast Guard Responds to Maritime Distress Off Paradip

Key Highlights:

• The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) successfully averted a major maritime incident involving the Belize-flagged chemical tanker MT Seagull 9 off Paradip, Odisha.
• The vessel, carrying 9,000 metric tonnes of palm oil with 23 crew, issued a distress call on September 27, 2026, due to main engine failure and rapid ballast tank flooding.
• ICGS Vishwast and a specialist ICG Damage Control Team were deployed, stabilizing the vessel by arresting leakage and blanking damaged pipelines.
• ICG also deployed a Pollution Control Vessel (PCV), an Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV), and an ICG Dornier aircraft for surveillance and pollution response.
• A minor palm-oil sheen observed initially was confirmed dissipated, with strict pollution-response protocols remaining active.
• The stabilized MT Seagull 9 was subsequently towed by the Paradip Port Authority tug Dolphin to an anchorage area.

Detailed Insights:

• The incident underscores the ICG's rapid response capabilities and its crucial role in ensuring maritime safety and environmental protection in India's Exclusive Economic Zone.
• The deployment of a specialized ICG Damage Control Team was instrumental in preventing the capsizing of the chemical tanker, averting a potentially catastrophic oil spill.
• Integrated air-sea coordination, involving ICG Dornier aircraft for aerial surveillance, enabled effective monitoring of the situation and pollution assessment.
• The swift and coordinated action demonstrates India's adherence to international maritime conventions for distress response and pollution prevention.
• The continued presence of ICG assets on scene highlights ongoing operational support and vigilance until the vessel is fully secured.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Maritime Distress: An emergency situation at sea requiring immediate assistance to prevent loss of life, vessel, or environmental damage.
• Damage Control: Measures taken onboard a vessel to prevent or limit damage, such as containing flooding, fire, or structural failure.
• Pollution Control Vessel (PCV): A specialized vessel equipped with systems and personnel to respond to marine pollution incidents, particularly oil spills.