In a dramatic maritime rescue, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) demonstrated its professionalism and commitment to international maritime safety by successfully rescuing two U.S. nationals stranded in the rough seas near the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The U.S.-flagged sailing vessel ‘Sea Angel’, disabled due to severe weather conditions and mechanical issues, was safely escorted to Campbell Bay after a coordinated overnight operation.

This mission underlines the ICG’s critical role not only in safeguarding India’s maritime borders but also in ensuring the safety of mariners traversing international waters around India’s strategic island territories.

The Distress Alert and Rapid Response

On July 10, 2025, at 11:57 a.m., the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Port Blair received a distress alert from the yacht Sea Angel. The yacht, measuring 16 x 8 metres, reported being disabled amid extremely rough conditions, with a blown sail and an entangled propeller approximately 52 nautical miles southeast of Indira Point.

Such distress calls are taken with utmost seriousness. The MRCC activated the International Safety Net (ISN), an internationally coordinated maritime safety system that alerts all nearby merchant vessels. This swift response ensured that any ship in proximity could assist if required, while formal rescue protocols were set in motion.

Deployment of ICG Ship Rajveer

Recognising the urgency of the situation, ICG Ship Rajveer was immediately deployed from Port Blair at 2:00 p.m. to render assistance. The Coast Guard’s ability to rapidly mobilise such assets underscores the importance of its permanently stationed vessels in the strategically vital Andaman and Nicobar region.

By 5:30 p.m., ICG Ship Rajveer located the distressed vessel, established clear communication with the stranded crew, and conducted an on-site assessment of the damage and the health of those on board. This step is critical in maritime rescues to ensure that immediate medical or mechanical support can be delivered if needed.

Assessing the Situation Amid Rough Seas

The conditions were far from easy. Heavy winds, choppy waves, and a disabled propeller made the yacht extremely vulnerable to drifting and potential capsizing. The Coast Guard’s trained crew had to carefully coordinate their approach to avoid collisions or further damage to the already compromised yacht.

Despite these challenges, the ICG’s team was able to confirm that both U.S. nationals aboard were safe and in good health. This immediate assessment and stabilisation of the situation are key markers of ICG’s rescue professionalism.

Towing Operation and Safe Escort

After confirming the safety of the crew, the Coast Guard prepared for the towing operation. By 6:50 p.m., the Sea Angel was securely taken under tow by ICG Ship Rajveer. Such operations in rough seas require precision seamanship, given the risk of towline failure or uncontrolled drifting.

The vessel was then escorted through the night to Campbell Bay, arriving safely at 8:00 a.m. on July 11, 2025. The successful tow and safe arrival not only prevented loss of life but also safeguarded a valuable vessel.

Significance of the Rescue

This rescue is emblematic of India’s growing maritime responsibility. As a key player in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), India has consistently shown leadership in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) missions.

The Indian Coast Guard’s role extends beyond traditional law enforcement and anti-smuggling operations. Its search and rescue (SAR) mandate covers vast stretches of sea, often aiding international vessels. Such missions strengthen India’s diplomatic goodwill, especially with countries like the United States whose citizens were directly saved in this case.

International Coordination and Safety Protocols

The International Safety Net (ISN), activated immediately upon receiving the distress signal, is a testament to global maritime cooperation. It ensures that all merchant vessels in the area are aware of emergencies and can respond if they are the closest ship.

India’s participation and commitment to such systems highlight its dedication to global maritime norms and safety obligations. The MRCC network, part of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS), is designed to enable swift responses anywhere on the seas.

The Role of MRCC Port Blair

MRCC Port Blair plays a vital role in coordinating rescue operations in the Andaman Sea. Its strategic location allows for rapid responses in one of the busiest maritime corridors in the world.

With satellite-based communication, real-time vessel tracking, and trained personnel, MRCCs are the nerve centres for such operations. The speed with which MRCC Port Blair activated ISN and deployed ICG Ship Rajveer ensured that a potential tragedy was averted.

About ICG Ship Rajveer

ICG Ship Rajveer is one of the advanced offshore patrol vessels in the Indian Coast Guard fleet. It is equipped with:

• Modern navigation and communication systems

• High-powered towing gear

• Medical facilities for emergency care

• Highly trained rescue crews

Such ships are specifically designed for multi-role operations, including search and rescue, pollution response, law enforcement, and maritime surveillance.

Challenges Faced During the Operation

Rescues at sea are inherently dangerous, especially in rough monsoon conditions. The Sea Angel had a blown sail and entangled propeller, leaving it at the mercy of powerful currents and winds.

ICG teams had to:

• Navigate heavy seas without endangering their own vessel

• Secure a reliable tow in rolling waves

• Ensure the safety of the crew during transfer operations

Such missions test even the most seasoned mariners and highlight the importance of continuous training and preparedness.

The Human Angle: Crew Safety and Relief

For the two U.S. nationals on board, this was a potentially life-threatening situation. Stranded in open sea without propulsion, they were exposed to:

• Harsh weather

• Risk of capsizing

• No access to medical help

• Psychological stress

The Coast Guard’s timely response offered not just physical safety but emotional relief, reaffirming the humanitarian spirit at the heart of maritime rescue operations.

India’s Commitment to Maritime Safety

India, with its vast coastline and strategic position in the Indian Ocean, bears a special responsibility for maritime safety in the region. The Indian Coast Guard regularly conducts:

• Joint exercises with other nations

• Community awareness campaigns

• SAR drills

• Capacity-building initiatives with smaller Indian Ocean states

Such rescues showcase India’s readiness to assist any mariner in distress, regardless of nationality.

International Impact and Diplomacy

Rescues involving foreign nationals also carry diplomatic significance. The successful saving of two U.S. citizens strengthens India-U.S. ties and demonstrates India’s capability as a responsible regional power.

It sends a strong message about India’s commitment to international maritime safety, fostering trust among trading nations that rely on safe passage through these waters.

Future Preparedness and Lessons Learned

Such operations also provide learning opportunities for:

• Improving response time

• Enhancing communication protocols

• Upgrading equipment and technology

The Indian Coast Guard continuously analyses each mission to refine SOPs and ensure even better responses in the future.

Conclusion

In a dramatic maritime rescue, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) demonstrated its professionalism and commitment to international maritime safety by successfully rescuing two U.S. nationals stranded in the rough seas near the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The U.S.-flagged sailing vessel ‘Sea Angel’, disabled due to severe weather conditions and mechanical issues, was safely escorted to Campbell Bay after a coordinated overnight operation.

This mission underlines the ICG’s critical role not only in safeguarding India’s maritime borders but also in ensuring the safety of mariners traversing international waters around India’s strategic island territories.

The Distress Alert and Rapid Response

On July 10, 2025, at 11:57 a.m., the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Port Blair received a distress alert from the yacht Sea Angel. The yacht, measuring 16 x 8 metres, reported being disabled amid extremely rough conditions, with a blown sail and an entangled propeller approximately 52 nautical miles southeast of Indira Point.

Such distress calls are taken with utmost seriousness. The MRCC activated the International Safety Net (ISN), an internationally coordinated maritime safety system that alerts all nearby merchant vessels. This swift response ensured that any ship in proximity could assist if required, while formal rescue protocols were set in motion.

Deployment of ICG Ship Rajveer

Recognising the urgency of the situation, ICG Ship Rajveer was immediately deployed from Port Blair at 2:00 p.m. to render assistance. The Coast Guard’s ability to rapidly mobilise such assets underscores the importance of its permanently stationed vessels in the strategically vital Andaman and Nicobar region.

By 5:30 p.m., ICG Ship Rajveer located the distressed vessel, established clear communication with the stranded crew, and conducted an on-site assessment of the damage and the health of those on board. This step is critical in maritime rescues to ensure that immediate medical or mechanical support can be delivered if needed.

Assessing the Situation Amid Rough Seas

The conditions were far from easy. Heavy winds, choppy waves, and a disabled propeller made the yacht extremely vulnerable to drifting and potential capsizing. The Coast Guard’s trained crew had to carefully coordinate their approach to avoid collisions or further damage to the already compromised yacht.

Despite these challenges, the ICG’s team was able to confirm that both U.S. nationals aboard were safe and in good health. This immediate assessment and stabilisation of the situation are key markers of ICG’s rescue professionalism.

Towing Operation and Safe Escort

After confirming the safety of the crew, the Coast Guard prepared for the towing operation. By 6:50 p.m., the Sea Angel was securely taken under tow by ICG Ship Rajveer. Such operations in rough seas require precision seamanship, given the risk of towline failure or uncontrolled drifting.

The vessel was then escorted through the night to Campbell Bay, arriving safely at 8:00 a.m. on July 11, 2025. The successful tow and safe arrival not only prevented loss of life but also safeguarded a valuable vessel.

Significance of the Rescue

This rescue is emblematic of India’s growing maritime responsibility. As a key player in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), India has consistently shown leadership in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) missions.

The Indian Coast Guard’s role extends beyond traditional law enforcement and anti-smuggling operations. Its search and rescue (SAR) mandate covers vast stretches of sea, often aiding international vessels. Such missions strengthen India’s diplomatic goodwill, especially with countries like the United States whose citizens were directly saved in this case.

International Coordination and Safety Protocols

The International Safety Net (ISN), activated immediately upon receiving the distress signal, is a testament to global maritime cooperation. It ensures that all merchant vessels in the area are aware of emergencies and can respond if they are the closest ship.

India’s participation and commitment to such systems highlight its dedication to global maritime norms and safety obligations. The MRCC network, part of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS), is designed to enable swift responses anywhere on the seas.

The Role of MRCC Port Blair

MRCC Port Blair plays a vital role in coordinating rescue operations in the Andaman Sea. Its strategic location allows for rapid responses in one of the busiest maritime corridors in the world.

With satellite-based communication, real-time vessel tracking, and trained personnel, MRCCs are the nerve centres for such operations. The speed with which MRCC Port Blair activated ISN and deployed ICG Ship Rajveer ensured that a potential tragedy was averted.

About ICG Ship Rajveer

ICG Ship Rajveer is one of the advanced offshore patrol vessels in the Indian Coast Guard fleet. It is equipped with:

• Modern navigation and communication systems

• High-powered towing gear

• Medical facilities for emergency care

• Highly trained rescue crews

Such ships are specifically designed for multi-role operations, including search and rescue, pollution response, law enforcement, and maritime surveillance.

Challenges Faced During the Operation

Rescues at sea are inherently dangerous, especially in rough monsoon conditions. The Sea Angel had a blown sail and entangled propeller, leaving it at the mercy of powerful currents and winds.

ICG teams had to:

• Navigate heavy seas without endangering their own vessel

• Secure a reliable tow in rolling waves

• Ensure the safety of the crew during transfer operations

Such missions test even the most seasoned mariners and highlight the importance of continuous training and preparedness.

The Human Angle: Crew Safety and Relief

For the two U.S. nationals on board, this was a potentially life-threatening situation. Stranded in open sea without propulsion, they were exposed to:

• Harsh weather

• Risk of capsizing

• No access to medical help

• Psychological stress

The Coast Guard’s timely response offered not just physical safety but emotional relief, reaffirming the humanitarian spirit at the heart of maritime rescue operations.

India’s Commitment to Maritime Safety

India, with its vast coastline and strategic position in the Indian Ocean, bears a special responsibility for maritime safety in the region. The Indian Coast Guard regularly conducts:

• Joint exercises with other nations

• Community awareness campaigns

• SAR drills

• Capacity-building initiatives with smaller Indian Ocean states

Such rescues showcase India’s readiness to assist any mariner in distress, regardless of nationality.

International Impact and Diplomacy

Rescues involving foreign nationals also carry diplomatic significance. The successful saving of two U.S. citizens strengthens India-U.S. ties and demonstrates India’s capability as a responsible regional power.

It sends a strong message about India’s commitment to international maritime safety, fostering trust among trading nations that rely on safe passage through these waters.

Future Preparedness and Lessons Learned

Such operations also provide learning opportunities for:

• Improving response time

• Enhancing communication protocols

• Upgrading equipment and technology

The Indian Coast Guard continuously analyses each mission to refine SOPs and ensure even better responses in the future.

Conclusion

The rescue of the Sea Angel’s crew by the Indian Coast Guard is not just a tale of maritime bravery—it is a testament to India’s professional, well-coordinated, and humanitarian approach to maritime security.

As global shipping grows and climatic challenges intensify, the need for effective maritime search and rescue will only increase. The Indian Coast Guard’s readiness, as shown in this successful mission, remains a crucial asset for regional safety, international goodwill, and the protection of human life at sea.

The rescue of the Sea Angel’s crew by the Indian Coast Guard is not just a tale of maritime bravery—it is a testament to India’s professional, well-coordinated, and humanitarian approach to maritime security.

As global shipping grows and climatic challenges intensify, the need for effective maritime search and rescue will only increase. The Indian Coast Guard’s readiness, as shown in this successful mission, remains a crucial asset for regional safety, international goodwill, and the protection of human life at sea.

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