Published Oct 29, 2026 | 6:27 PM ⚊ Updated Oct 29, 2026 | 6:28 PM
The helipad at Mogalthur in West Godavari district was also used to coordinate the operation,
Synopsis: The vessel encountered strong winds and rough seas as Cyclone Arnab affected the Bay of Bengal. The adverse weather reportedly pushed the vessel towards the coast, while preliminary information indicated a possible technical problem involving its engine or propulsion system. The vessel subsequently lost manoeuvrability and became stranded in relatively shallow waters near the shoreline.
The Indian Coast Guard rescued all 20 crew members of a bulk carrier, Sigma Pearl, stranded in the Bay of Bengal amid severe weather conditions triggered by Cyclone Arnab.
The vessel was stranded close to the Andhra Pradesh coast, near Antarvedi–Mogalthur in West Godavari district. The crew members were evacuated aboard the Indian Coast Guard ship Sujay, officials said.
Preliminary information said 13 crew members were initially transferred safely to Sujay. By Thursday evening, the Coast Guard confirmed that all 20 crew members had been safely evacuated.
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The Marshall Islands-flagged Sigma Pearl was returning to Singapore after discharging its cargo at Visakhapatnam Port, when it became stranded off Antarvedi in the early hours of 28 October.
The vessel encountered strong winds and rough seas as Cyclone Arnab affected the Bay of Bengal. The adverse weather reportedly pushed the vessel towards the coast, while preliminary information indicated a possible technical problem involving its engine or propulsion system.
The vessel subsequently lost manoeuvrability and became stranded in relatively shallow waters near the shoreline.
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After receiving information about the stranded vessel, the Indian Coast Guard launched a rescue operation. Given the adverse weather conditions, the Coast Guard deployed its offshore patrol vessel Sujay and made arrangements for helicopter-assisted rescue if required.
The helipad at Mogalthur in West Godavari district was also used to coordinate the operation, with the district administration providing necessary assistance.
With all crew members safely evacuated, focus is now on the condition of the stranded vessel and the steps required to recover it. Authorities will need to assess possible damage to the hull and machinery, as well as check for any fuel leakage or risk of marine pollution.
Inclement weather and sea conditions may delay the recovery and movement of the ship to a safe location. A decision on the next course of action is expected after technical experts assess the vessel and determine the feasibility of salvage operations.
(Edited by Majnu Babu).
