Mumbai: The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) on Monday rescued a cargo vessel, with six persons on board, which had lost communication while on its way to Minicoy in Lakshadweep.
The ship `MSV Betheal Jeeva`, carrying metal, sand and furniture, had set sail from Beypore port (Kerala) on January 2 for Minicoy, the southernmost atoll of the archipelago of Lakshadweep.
However, the vessel neither reached Minicoy nor could any communication be established with the ship.
"As soon as the Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre Mumbai received the information about the vessel, it activated International Safety Net message to ships transiting through the area for assistance," said an ICG release.
The coast guard, meanwhile, launched a Dornier aircraft from Kochi, which located the vessel sailing 40 nautical miles off Minicoy.
"After the vessel was located CG ship Rajdoot was dispatched today morning to the area to provide necessary assistance," the release said.
After investigation of the vessel it was found that its engine became defective due to a broken engine plate.
The CG technical team repaired the engine and the vessel is presently heading towards Minicoy.
