Mangaluru, June 10 — In a swift and coordinated operation, the Indian Navy rescued 18 crew members stranded aboard a container ship that caught fire in the Arabian Sea. The survivors were safely brought to New Mangalore Port on Monday by INS Surat, a frontline Indian naval destroyer, after responding to an urgent maritime emergency.
The incident occurred on June 9 when the container vessel MV MSC Sky II, sailing nearly 93 nautical miles from the Mangaluru coast, reported a severe onboard fire. The fire, which originated in the cargo hold, began spreading rapidly, endangering both the structural integrity of the ship and the lives of those on board. A distress message was promptly transmitted and picked up by the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Mumbai.
Following standard emergency protocol, the MRCC alerted INS Surat, which was deployed in the vicinity on routine patrol duties. The destroyer immediately altered course and made contact with the vessel under distress. Despite the threat posed by the fire and the sea conditions, the crew of INS Surat managed to transfer all 18 personnel safely from the burning container ship.
The Indian Navy confirmed that all rescued crew members were given medical attention onboard. Upon arrival at New Mangalore Port, local port authorities and medical teams received the group for further assessment. Officials stated that none of the individuals sustained major injuries and all were in a stable condition.
Naval sources said the fire onboard MV MSC Sky II continues to be managed by emergency response teams, with assistance from merchant vessels and coordinated efforts involving port and maritime safety authorities. An official inquiry has been initiated to determine the origin and nature of the fire, although no hazardous materials have been reported so far.
Commenting on the rescue, senior Navy officers commended the professionalism and rapid decision-making of the crew. “This operation is an example of the Navy’s commitment to ensuring the safety of life at sea, beyond the call of defense,” said a senior commander from the Karnataka Naval Area.
The successful evacuation has once again brought attention to the increasing vulnerability of commercial shipping routes in the region. Fire incidents on large cargo vessels have become more frequent in recent years, prompting global discussions around maritime safety standards and the need for better preparedness onboard merchant fleets.
INS Surat, a domestically constructed guided missile destroyer, played a crucial role in the mission. Equipped with advanced navigation, surveillance, and damage control systems, the vessel was able to handle the operation with high efficiency. This incident marks one of its first high-profile emergency response operations since its induction into the fleet.
Authorities at the New Mangalore Port have confirmed ongoing cooperation with the Indian Navy and the shipping agency involved. The rescued crew will remain under observation until all post-rescue procedures are completed.
The Indian Navy has reiterated its readiness to assist in similar emergencies and continues to strengthen its presence in critical sea lanes across the Indian Ocean Region, ensuring both national security and maritime safety.
