Indian Coast Guard evacuates 50 individuals off Gujarat coast as Biparjoy approaches
1 min read 13 Jun 2023, 06:48 PM ISTThe Directorate General of Hydrocarbons had requested Indian Coast Guard for evacuation of 50 crew from jack up rig ‘Key Singapore/01’ located 25 nm west of Okha, Gujarat on 12 June, 2023
PremiumNew Delhi: The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) carried out a swift and well-coordinated operation on 13 June, evacuating 50 individuals at Okha, Gujarat, as a precautionary measure ahead of the severe cyclone ‘Biprajoy’, the defence ministry said in a statement.
“The Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH) had requested Indian Coast Guard (ICG) for evacuation of 50 crew from jack up rig ‘KEY SINGAPORE/01’ located 25 nm west of Okha, Gujarat on 12 June, 2023," it said.
Responding promptly to the request, the ICG launched the rescue operation amidst challenging weather conditions and rough seas. The ICG Ship Shoor was immediately diverted to the scene, while the ICG Helicopter (CG 858) was positioned from Rajkot to Okha to support the evacuation efforts.
“In a nerve-racking operation, ICG evacuated 26 crew by the evening of 12 June, 2023. Consequently, the operation resumed with first light on 13 June, 2023 which resulted in safe evacuation of remaining 24 crew, bringing all 50 crew to safety ashore. The operation has been completed successfully," the ministry said.
The cyclone ‘Biprajoy’, classified as an extremely severe cyclonic storm, had been observed forming in the Arabian Sea since June 6, 2023. In response, the ICG has been undertaking preemptive and preventive measures to safeguard lives and assets in the region.
Biparjoy is very likely to move nearly northwards till Wednesday morning and then move north-northeast and make landfall near coastal Gujarat districts of Saurashtra and Kutch, as well as adjoining parts of Pakistan’s coast.
The cyclone is expected to hit the coastal areas with a maximum sustained wind speed of 125-135 kmph gusting to 150 kmph.