Navy responds to distress call from MV Marlin Luanda
New Delhi: In a swift response to a distress call on Friday night, INS Visakhapatnam, a formidable guided missile destroyer of the Indian Navy, has been deployed in the Gulf of Aden to assist the British oil tanker MV Marlin Luanda, Indian Navy officials confirmed on Saturday. The MV, carrying 22 Indian and 1 Bangladeshi crew members, found itself in a precarious situation necessitating immediate intervention.
Official statement mentioned that upon receiving the distress call, INS Visakhapatnam promptly mobilised its specialised Nuclear, Biological, Chemical, and Damage Control (NBCD) team along with fire fighting equipment. The primary objective is to augment the ongoing fire fighting efforts aboard the beleaguered MV Marlin Luanda.
The Indian Navy further affirmed that its commitment to the safety and security of maritime vessels is underscored by this rapid and decisive action. The presence of INS Visakhapatnam in the region reflects the navy’s unwavering dedication to safeguarding not only national interests but also the lives of those at sea.
As the situation unfolds, the collaborative efforts between INS Visakhapatnam and the distressed MV Marlin Luanda demonstrate the maritime force’s proficiency in crisis response and its pivotal role in ensuring the safety of seafarers.
Late in the evening, the Indian Navy also confirmed that the INS Visakhapatnam, alongside US and French warships, successfully brought a fire onboard the vessel under control. Responding promptly to the emergency, INS Visakhapatnam dispatched a specialised fire fighting team, comprising ten skilled Indian Naval personnel to assist the distressed MV Marlin Luanda.
The team embarked on the vessel in the early hours of Saturday. After six hours of relentless efforts, battling the flames alongside the ship’s crew, the Indian Naval fire fighting team achieved a significant milestone by successfully bringing the fire under control. The team remains vigilant, monitoring the situation to ensure there is no possibility of re-ignition.
The collaboration between INS Visakhapatnam, US, and French warships exemplifies the international community’s dedication to ensuring the safety and security of maritime activities. As the situation stabilises, the focus now shifts to ensuring the well-being of the crew and assessing any potential environmental impact.
