Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 11 July 2025
In a remarkable display of courage and professionalism, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) successfully rescued two foreign nationals aboard a disabled yacht stranded in the high seas off Indira Point — the southernmost tip of India — in a dramatic operation that once again underscored the strategic importance of Great Nicobar Island in regional maritime security and rescue efforts.
The incident unfolded on July 10, 2025, at 1157 hrs, when the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Port Blair received a distress alert from the United States Consulate in Chennai. The alert reported that a yacht named Sea Angel, sailing under a U.S. flag and crewed by one American and one Turkish national, had suffered complete propulsion failure and was stranded approximately 52 nautical miles southeast of Indira Point in the Great Nicobar region.
Responding swiftly, MRCC Port Blair activated the International Safety Net — a global distress alert mechanism — and deployed Indian Coast Guard Ship Rajveer to the scene. Battling severe weather, strong winds, and turbulent seas, ICGS Rajveer reached the location and found the yacht in distress with its sail blown off and its propeller fouled by entangled ropes.
Despite challenging sea conditions, the crew of ICGS Rajveer successfully secured the yacht under tow at 1850 hrs on July 10 and safely brought it to Campbell Bay by 0800 hrs this morning, July 11, 2025.
This daring rescue operation exemplifies the Indian Coast Guard’s steadfast commitment to maritime safety and humanitarian assistance. It also highlights the critical role played by the Great Nicobar region in safeguarding international maritime routes and responding effectively to emergencies in the busy sea lanes of the Bay of Bengal and the eastern Indian Ocean.
Great Nicobar Island, occupies a geopolitically significant position at the crossroads of the Malacca Strait — one of the world’s busiest shipping corridors. Its proximity to vital sea lines of communication makes it a frontline post for India’s maritime surveillance, search and rescue operations, and regional security.
This latest rescue showcases India’s capability and readiness to assist vessels in distress.
