In a swift response to an SOS from a distressed offshore coastal vessel, the Navy and Coast Guard today swung into action to rescue 14 crew members of the vessel MV Coastal Pride.

A cement carrier, the vessel sank 24 nautical miles south of Daman (75 NM North of Mumbai) this morning, a Defence spokesperson said.


Navy launched a SeaKing chopper at 0758 hrs from INS Shikra, Colaba, while CG launched two Chetak helicopters at around 0840 hrs for the rescue operation.


Six persons were picked by Coast Guard before the ship sank, while SeaKing helicopter saved six persons from the water and Coast Guard picked two persons, after it sank. Rescued crew were safely evacuated to Umargaon.


The Navy helicopters on Monday had rescued 20 persons on board a listing merchant ship off Vasai coast in neighbouring Palghar district..