A major maritime incident involving the Belize-flagged tanker Sea Gull 9, carrying around 9,000 tonnes of palm oil and 23 crew members, was averted off the Odisha coast after the vessel suffered a main-engine failure and ballast tank flooding, causing a 10-degree list.
The vessel reported distress on September 27 while approximately 37 nautical miles east-south-east of Paradip. The Directorate General of Maritime Administration, in coordination with the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard and Paradip Port Authority, launched a multi-agency response through its Marine Casualty and Emergency Response Branch.
The operation included damage-control measures, vessel stabilisation, aerial surveillance for possible pollution and arrangements for the tanker’s safe entry into port.
Sea Gull 9 reached Paradip Port on September 28 with the Harbour Master on board and assistance from the tug Dolphin No. 25.
A minor palm-oil sheen was observed near the vessel following the incident, but the Directorate said it subsequently dissipated naturally.