Kerala - Kochi   

Search for missing ship intensified

KOCHI: The Coast Guard has intensified its search to trace m.s.v. Lakshwadeep, the ship that has been reported missing from the high seas between Mangalore and Lakshwadeep since Monday.

The ship was on a journey from Mangalore to Kalpeni in Lakshwadeep. IG (Commandant West) of the Coast Guard A. Rajasekhar said that there was no trace of the ship, despite the Coast Guard repeatedly sending its aircraft on sorties from Kochi, and ships from Mangalore, to locate the vessel.

“The international safety net has been activated, so that any merchant ship or other vessel passing by can join in the efforts to trace it. A ‘general broadcast’ too has been made, to help in the search effort. The approximate location where the vessel went missing is yet to be identified, since we were informed about the missing vessel only after it failed to turn up at Kalpeni, on Monday.”

Moreover, there was no distress message from the vessel, seeking emergency help. Fishermen too have been asked to help the Coast Guard in tracing the ship. The 35-metre vessel had on board seven crew members, said to be from Tuticorin. It was said to be carrying groceries and construction materials and set sail from Mangalore on Saturday.

Navy sources said that their help has not been sought so far. The missing vessel was a little bigger than a dhow.

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