Indian Coast Guard Rescues Foreign Chemical Tanker From Capsizing off Paradip Coast, 23 Crew Safe
The Indian Coast Guard successfully averted a major maritime disaster on Monday by rescuing an unstable foreign chemical tanker carrying 23 crew members and 9,000 metric tonnes of palm oil off the coast of Paradip in Odisha.
The Indian Coast Guard on Monday rescued 23 crew members aboard a Belize-flagged chemical tanker after the vessel developed engine trouble and began tilting dangerously off the Odisha coast. The MT Seagull 9, carrying around 9,000 metric tonnes of palm oil, was stabilised and later taken under tow towards the Paradip anchorage.
Tanker Issued Distress Call
The vessel sent a distress call at around 7:30 am on September 27, when it was approximately 37 nautical miles east-southeast of Paradip. According to the Coast Guard, the tanker’s main engine failed and its ballast tanks began flooding, leaving the vessel in an unstable condition and raising the risk of capsizing. The Coast Guard immediately deployed ICGS Vishwast to assist the tanker. Indian Coast Guard Intercepts Diesel Smuggling Boat Off Mumbai, Seizes INR 10 Lakh Cash, Liquor (Video).
ICGÂ Rescues Foreign Chemical Tanker From Capsizing off Paradip Coast
Averting a major disaster at sea!
​Following a critical distress call from MT Seagull 9 off #Paradip, #ICGS Vishwast launched a swift & decisive operation to rescue the unstable chemical tanker carrying 9,000 MT palm oil & 23 crew members.
​Braving high-risk conditions, the… pic.twitter.com/3F1h4d1Yid
— Indian Coast Guard (@IndiaCoastGuard) September 28, 2026
Damage Control Team Stabilises Vessel
A specialist Damage Control Team boarded the tanker and began emergency operations. Submersible de-flooding pumps were used to remove water from the ballast tanks, while damaged seawater pipelines were sealed to stop further flooding. The Coast Guard also carried out de-flooding and cargo-transfer operations simultaneously, helping restore the vessel's stability.
A Pollution Control Vessel and an additional Offshore Patrol Vessel were deployed to strengthen pollution response and maintain continuous surveillance.
Palm Oil Sheen Dissipates
An Indian Coast Guard Dornier aircraft monitored the area from the air. A minor palm-oil sheen detected near the tanker on September 27 was subsequently found to have completely dissipated during follow-up surveillance on September 28. The Coast Guard said its units continued to maintain watch over the vessel after the immediate danger was brought under control.
Tanker Towed Towards Paradip
After being stabilised, MT Seagull 9 was taken under tow by Paradip Port Authority tug Dolphin towards the anchorage area off Paradip. Repairs to the vessel's main engine are underway, with technical assistance from the Coast Guard team. ICGS Vishwast and other deployed assets remain in the area to provide operational support and monitor the vessel. The operation also involved measures to minimise any potential marine pollution while ensuring the safety of the crew and the vessel.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 28, 2026 05:43 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
