The Indian Navy deployed a helicopter for assistance after a merchant vessel with 20 persons onboard listed off the Vasai coast in neighbouring Palghar district.  "Information was received around midnight by the Indian Navy that a vessel in distress Jindal Kamakshi which was 40 nautical miles from Mumbai harbour and 25 nautical miles off Vasai coast had listed heavily," a defence spokesperson said.  "The distress message said the vessel listed heavily, with 20 persons onboard and requested assistance," the official said, adding the cause of the listing was not confirmed.