Indian Coast Guard Averts Major Maritime Incident off Paradip
A Belize-flagged chemical tanker MT Seagull 9 experienced main engine failure and rapid flooding of a ballast tank, resulting in a dangerous tilt of the vessel
UdaipurTimes, Sept 29, 2026 - The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) successfully averted a major maritime incident following a distress situation onboard the Belize-flagged chemical tanker MT Seagull 9, approximately 37 nautical miles East-South-East of Paradip, Odisha, according to the Ministry of Defence.
The vessel, carrying 9,000 metric tonnes of palm oil with 23 crew members onboard, issued an urgent distress call at approximately 0730 hrs on September 27, 2026, following main engine failure and rapid flooding of a ballast tank, resulting in a dangerous tilt of the vessel.
ICGS Vishwast was immediately deployed to the location. A specialist ICG Damage Control Team boarded the unstable vessel and commenced emergency damage-control measures. The team deployed submersible de-flooding pumps, arrested the leakage, blanked two damaged seawater pipelines and contained a third fractured line, eliminating the threat of capsizing.
To augment the response, the Indian Coast Guard diverted a Pollution Control Vessel (PCV) and an additional Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV). Simultaneously, ICG Dornier aircraft launched from Bhubaneswar for real-time aerial surveillance. A minor palm-oil sheen initially observed near the vessel on September 27 was confirmed fully dissipated during follow-up aerial sorties a day later. Strict pollution-response protocols remain active to safeguard the marine ecosystem.
Following stabilisation, Paradip Port Authority tug Dolphin took MT Seagull 9 under tow towards the anchorage area off Paradip.
