The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) rescued two United States nationals stranded aboard a distressed yacht approximately 53 nautical miles south of the Nicobar Islands, officials confirmed on Friday.
The operation was launched after the US Consulate in Chennai alerted authorities about the US-flagged sailing vessel Sea Angel in distress. Responding swiftly, ICG Ship Rajveer was deployed and successfully reached the vessel despite challenging sea conditions.
“The Indian Coast Guard saved two US nationals stranded in a distressed yacht, Sea Angel, about 53 miles south of the Nicobar Islands. ICG Ship Rajveer was deployed and navigated through rough sea conditions to carry out the rescue,” the Coast Guard said in a statement.
The ICG’s quick response underscores its growing role in maritime rescue operations in the Indian Ocean Region.
Last month, the ICG had also rescued three Sri Lankan nationals abandoned on a sandbar near Adam’s Bridge, off the Dhanushkodi coast in Tamil Nadu. The trio was reportedly dropped off in Indian waters by an unidentified boat. They were later handed over to the Coastal Security Group Police, who have since launched an investigation into the incident.
