MANGALURU: The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) rescued six crew members of the cargo vessel MSV SALAMATH, which sank in the early hours of 14 May 2025, around 60-70 nautical miles southwest of Mangaluru.On 14 May around 12.15 pm, the ICG received a distress alert from MT Epic Susui, a transiting vessel, reporting the sighting of a small boat adrift with six survivors onboard, approximately 52 nautical miles off the coast of Surathkal, in Mangaluru.

ICG Ship Vikram, which was on routine patrol in the area, was immediately diverted to the location. The Coast Guard team swiftly located and safely recovered all six survivors from the dinghy.Preliminary reports indicate that MSV SALAMATH, which departed New Mangalore Port on 12 May, en route to Kadmat Island in Lakshadweep, began flooding at 5.30 am on 14 May, leading to its eventual sinking. The vessel was carrying a mixed cargo of cement and construction materials.

The exact cause of the flooding remains unknown.The rescued crew members, identified as Ismail Shareef, Alemun Ahmed Bhai Ghavda, Kakal Suleman Ismail, Akbar Abdul Surani, Kasam Ismail Mepani, and Azmal, abandoned the sinking vessel and managed to embark on a small dinghy before being spotted.

Following their successful rescue, the survivors were administered first aid and transported safely to New Mangalore Port, where they arrived on 15 May. Local authorities will be conducting further interviews with the rescued crew to ascertain the circumstances leading to the vessel's sinking.The Indian Coast Guard remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding life at sea and ensuring maritime safety and security across the region, a release from the Indian Coast Guard said.