Japanese Coast Guard take up rescue operation for missing Indian sailors off  Philippines

CHENNAI: Two patrol boats and three planes of Japanese Coast Guard are currently undertaking search and rescue operations to locate 10 Indian sailors who went missing on Friday after their cargo ship sank in the Pacific off the Philippines. Director General of Shipping Malini V Shankar told Express that Shipping Ministry is coordinating with Philippines authorities on the search and rescue operations.

She said most of the missing are from Tamil Nadu and the families have been intimated about the incident. “We are also in touch with Admiral Marine Services in Chennai, who are providing us with regular updates,”she said. Port Chaplain of Sailor’s Society in Chennai, Manoj Joy told Express that he has intimated the Sailor’s Society in Philippines about the rescue of five sailors in the Philippines bound vessel. “We are trying to have direct access with the crew,”said Joy.

“Since they will be in mental agony and shock over the sinking of their vessel and missing crew members, we will be counselling them and provide the needful advice to distressed crew members,”said Joy. The rescued sailors will return once they reach their destination in Philippines and China, said Joy, who is in touch with the ship managers.

Counselling for distressed crew members
According to Port Chaplain of Sailor’s Society in Chennai, Manoj Joy, since the five rescued sailors will be in mental agony and shock, counselling and needful advice will be provided to the distressed crew members.