Five sailors lost their lives while repairing a damaged pipe on board MV Maharshi Krishnatrya while approximately 220 nautical miles off Mumbai on Monday morning.
At around 10.30 am Monday, sailors repairing a damaged pipe in the compressor room of the MV Maharshi Krishnatrya were overcome by gas and an explosion occurred.
According to sources, six sailors were involved in the repairs — the chief officer, gas engineer, bosun and three other sailors. “The explosion has resulted in the unfortunate and tragic loss of five persons,” said director-general of shipping Gautam Chatterjee. The sixth person was critically injured.
“At about 10.45 am today, the Indian Navy at Mumbai received a call from Varun Shipping Company regarding six casualties on board MV Maharshi Krishnatreya, an Indian-flagged vessel belonging to Varun Shipping which was enroute to the UAE and was then about 140 nautical miles southwest of Porbandar and 220 nautical miles from Mumbai,” said defence spokesperson Narendra Vispute in Mumbai.
A Sea King MK 42C helicopter was sent from Mumbai to evacuate the one injured sailor. “In addition, INS Tabar, which was at sea, was also directed to proceed at best speed to render assistance,” added Mr Vispute. The injured sailor was transferred to Porbandar for medical attention and the ship diverted towards Porbander.