The Navy and the Coast Guard have begun efforts to rescue the crew of merchant vessel Nu Shi Nalini, a chemical tanker, which was anchored some 14.5 nautical miles southwest of Kochi.
A defence spokesperson said that the Southern Naval Command had launched an Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) while the Coast Guard sailed out an interceptor boat for the rescue operations. Reports suggest that a member of the ship's crew had sustained 80% burns.
“The ship continues to be on fire and has lost power and propulsion. The Cochin Port Trust has launched a tug. The Navy is preparing to launch a Seaking helicopter, which has more carrying capacity, in case more crew members are to be evacuated,” the spokesperson said.
The ship is learnt to have about 22 people on board. More details awaited.