NNA |
Update: December 19, 2021 1:02 p.m. STI

New Delhi [India]Dec 19 (ANI): INS Shardul safely brought back the MV Kavaratti (vessel managed by Lakshadweep Development Corporation Limited) on which a fire broke out last month, to Kochi, the Ministry of Defense informed on Sunday.
According to the ministry, a fire broke out on board the MV Kavaratti in the starboard engine room on November 30, which was later extinguished by the crew. However, due to fire damage, the ship was unable to start her engines and had anchored off Androth Island on 30 November awaiting towing assistance for repairs.
Based on a request from the Lakshadweep administration to tow the vessel from Androth to Kochi for repairs, the Indian Navy promptly dispatched INS Shardul to Androth to render assistance to the disabled vessel on 16 December.

INS Shardul reached the area on 17 December. An expert team consisting of officers and sailors from INS Shardul along with the Officer in Charge of Naval Detachment Androth Lietanant, Commander Bishnu C Panda embarked MV Kavaratti on 17 December and undertook a detailed assessment of the damage.
During the interaction, the naval crew assisted the crew of the MV Kavaratti in starting the vessel’s port engine. The towing gears were passed to the MV Kavaratti by INS Shardul and towing trials were conducted with the MV Kavaratti.
The trials provided much-needed confidence and assurance to the crew of MV Kavaratti for towing operations should the port main engine fail en route.
After rehearsing various emergencies, INS Shardul escorted MV Kavaratti safely to Kochi PM on 18 Dec 21. During transit, personnel from INS Shardul and Androth Naval Detachment were embarked at board to provide assistance to the MV in the event of a machine breakdown. (ANI)