A potential ecological disaster off the Andamans coast was prevented by the Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) when they took control of an LPG tanker that had lost propulsion power. The ANC, responding to a distress call from the Mozambique-flag MV Pyra en route from UAE to Singapore, swiftly launched ‘Op Lancer’ to assist the vessel. Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard ships, and three tugs were deployed to prevent the MV Pyra from running aground.
A naval technical team boarded the 224-meter-long vessel, which has a gross tonnage of 45,029 tonnes, to provide technical support. The vessel, which departed from the UAE on July 1, faced a critical situation as it lost power and was drifting at a slow speed. If grounded, the hazardous cargo onboard could have led to a potential explosion, posing risks to both the environment and the crew.
Efforts to repair the vessel’s engines and ensure its safe journey to Singapore are ongoing. The ANC’s swift response in anchoring the vessel in India’s territorial waters off Great Nicobar Island highlights their dedication to maritime safety, security, and ecological protection. The operation exemplifies the ANC’s commitment to timely assistance for distressed vessels, ensuring both ecological preservation and the safety of maritime life.
