INS Sumedha comes to rescue of stranded vessel with 13 Indian crew on it near Somali coast

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, January 8

Indian Naval Ship Sumedha, currently on an Anti-Piracy Patrol in Gulf of Aden, came to the rescue of the crew of the dhow Al-Hamid on January 6.

A traditional wooden vessel known as ‘dhow’, Al-Hamid was detected by an IN Helicopter launched from the deck of INS Sumedha, which confirmed that the vessel was in distress and drifting near the coast of Somalia.

A boarding team along with a naval technical team embarked on Al-Hamid for routine checks onboard and to render assistance.

The crew of Al-Hamid comprised 13 Indians. The technical team assessment revealed that the dhow had suffered a broken main engine shaft, which was not repairable at sea. The dhow was then towed to safety away from the Somali coast.

Meanwhile, the owner of the dhow Al-Hamid has sent another vessel for towing the dhow to port for repairs. Before departure, INS Sumedha provided fresh water and medical supplies to the crew of the dhow.