The Indian Navy was successful in saving Maldivian ship ‘MV Maria 3’ which suffered propulsion failure and was drifting on the sea with no controls since five days. The ship had 6 sailors on board, including one woman, from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Maldives said Indian Navy in a statement on Wednesday.
According to the statement released by the Indian Navy, the Maldivian ship lost contact with shore after its departure from Male on May 15, following which the Maldivian Coast Guard sought Indian Navy’s help in search and rescue operation.
“Dornier Aircraft of the Indian Navy, which is capable of undertaking multi-roles, was deployed to Maldives at short notice to assist the Maldivian Coast Guard in SAR operations. Late on May 20, the Dornier, during the aerial surveillance had located the drifting ‘overdue’ ship about 150 nautical miles south-east of Male, with all survivors safe onboard,” said the statement narrating the rescue operation.
Indian Naval warship INS Kirch was informed about the Maldivian’s ship location in the sea and was sent to tow back the vessel to Male, as reported in The Hindu.