Indian Coast Guard Saves 23 Crew from Tilting Chemical Tanker off Odisha Coast

BHUBANESWAR — The Indian Coast Guard rescued 23 crew members from a foreign chemical tanker that was tilting off the coast of Paradip, Odisha, on 28 September 2026. The vessel, carrying palm oil, was at risk of capsizing when the Coast Guard intervened. The rescue operation was carried out by a team of 12 Coast Guard personnel who boarded the tanker, secured the crew and transferred them to a rescue vessel before the tanker settled into a stable position.

Rescue Operation Details

The incident was reported at 11:30 a.m. local time by the Coast Guard’s coastal command. Within 30 minutes, a rescue boat was dispatched from the nearest Coast Guard station. The boat reached the tanker, which was listed at an angle of approximately 15 degrees, and a boarding party secured the crew in the forward section of the ship. The crew were transferred to the rescue boat in a controlled manner and taken to a Coast Guard vessel for medical assessment. The tanker was subsequently stabilized by the Coast Guard’s crew, preventing it from capsizing.

Background on Maritime Safety

Odisha’s coastline hosts the Paradip Port, one of India’s busiest deep‑water ports. The port handles a large volume of bulk cargo, including chemicals and petroleum products. In recent years, the Indian Coast Guard has intensified its patrols along the eastern seaboard to address risks associated with aging vessels and hazardous cargo. The rescue of the 23 crew members is part of the Coast Guard’s ongoing efforts to enhance maritime safety and respond swiftly to emergencies at sea.

Official Statements

The Indian Coast Guard said it had rescued all 23 crew members and that the tanker was saved from capsizing. The Coast Guard’s spokesperson noted that the crew were in good health after the transfer and that the vessel was secured for safe navigation. No injuries were reported among the crew or the Coast Guard personnel involved in the operation. The incident was logged in the Coast Guard’s daily operations report and was subsequently reported to the Maritime Safety Authority.

Implications for Maritime Safety

The rescue underscores the importance of rapid response capabilities in preventing maritime accidents. The incident also highlights the need for stringent monitoring of foreign-flagged vessels carrying hazardous cargo along India’s coast. The Indian Coast Guard has reiterated its commitment to maintaining a robust presence in the region and to conducting regular safety drills with port authorities and shipping companies.