Barge P305 rescue operation update: 188 crew rescued, 49 bodies recovered

The joint operation of the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard and the ONGC to rescue crew members of Barge P305 entered the fourth day on Thursday. So far, 188 crew members have been rescued and 49 bodies have been recovered amidst extreme weather conditions due to Cyclone Tauktae.

"188 survivors and 49 Brave Nature Victims (BNV) rescued/recovered so far. INS Kolkata arrived in Mumbai and disembarking survivors/BNVs," Indian Navy spokesperson Commander Vivek Madhwal said.

On Wednesday, INS Kochi disembarked 125 personnel and mortal remains of four crew members at a Mumbai harbour after which the ship rejoined the effort to search for and rescue the remaining 38 crew on Barge P305, which sank after being slammed by cyclone Tauktae.

The Indian Navy has deployed assets like INS Kolkata, Kochi, Beas, Betwa, Teg, P8I maritime surveillance aircraft and Chetak and SeaKing helicopters to trace the missing crew. Besides, the Coast Guard Ships and ONGC vessels are undertaking the SAR of the missing crew.