Indian Coast Guard Averts Major Marine Disaster Off Paradip Coast; Belize Tanker Saved

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has successfully averted a major marine accident approximately 37 nautical miles southeast of Paradip, Odisha. The incident involved the 'MT C Gull 9', a Belize-flagged chemical tanker carrying 9,000 metric tonnes of palm oil with a total of 23 crew members on board.

According to reports, the vessel developed a dangerous list to one side after its main engine failed and water began filling the ballast tanks rapidly. Following this emergency, a distress message was sent from the ship at approximately 7:30 AM on September 27, 2026. Upon receiving the information, the Indian Coast Guard ship 'ICGS Vishuft' was immediately dispatched to the location.

A specialized damage control team from the Coast Guard boarded the vessel and initiated immediate rescue operations. The team deployed submersible pumps to remove water from the ship, controlled leakages, and shut down two affected seawater pipelines. Additionally, they stopped a leak from a third broken pipeline, thereby eliminating the risk of the ship capsizing.

To further strengthen the rescue operation, the Indian Coast Guard deployed a Pollution Control Vessel (PCV) and an additional Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV). Simultaneously, an ICG Dornier aircraft took off from Bhubaneswar to conduct aerial surveillance. While a thin layer of palm oil was spotted near the vessel on September 27, aerial monitoring on September 28 confirmed that it had completely dissipated.

Actions are continuing under strict pollution control regulations to protect the marine environment. Once the vessel was stabilized, the Paradip Port Authority's tug boat 'Dolphin' began towing the 'MT C Gull 9' toward the anchorage area near Paradip. ICGS Vishuft and other specialized resources remain on site, providing necessary assistance and maintaining constant surveillance.