The Indian Coast Guard and Coastal Security Police of Karnataka have saved 27 crew members of the dredger Ibis. The dredger, which was engaged in operations south of Old Mangalore Port, had reported distress on Saturday after hitting the reef in the Arabian Sea.

The Indian Coast Guard headquarters at Panambur in New Mangalore received information about the incident through a telephonic message from New Mangalore Port Trust at 4.45 pm on Saturday.

Following this, the Coast Guard diverted Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Amartya to render assistance to the distressed dredger.

After arrival at the position at 6.40 pm on Stturday, ICGS Amartya lowered its inflatable rubber boat Gemini at 6.48 pm. Gemini towed the life-raft of the dredger with four personnel onboard towards the ICG ship. After the rescue of four persons at 8 pm, the operation was suspended for the day in view of strong winds and heavy swell in the area.

However, ICGS Amartya maintained its position in the area for the night, and was in continuous communication with the dredger.

ICGS Amartya again lowered Gemini at 6.10 am on Sunday and commenced rescue operations for the remaining crew members from the Ibis. Despite inclement weather conditions and strong winds, Gemini continued to ferry the stranded crew from the distressed dredger to ICGS Amartya. Coastal Security Police also assisted in search and rescue operations by sending its boat. The boat of the Coastal Security Police also ferried four crew members from the dredger to ICGS Amartya.

Later on ICGS Amartya entered the harbour of New Mangalore along with the rescued crew members.

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