ONGC “No effort Too Big in Saving Lives”
Navy, ONGC stood between life and death for personnel onboard Pappa 305
It was scary situation for personnel onboard barge Pappa 305, caught in cyclone Tauktae which crossed Mumbai offshore on May 16 – 17, 2021. The heavy rains and gusty winds along with high sea swell made the situation worse. Nilesh Lingayat, Sumsuzaman Mirza, Sandip and several others were just praying for their lives as strong waves kept hitting the barge.
On May 17, as the barge started sinking, and they were asked to ‘Abandon’ ship, each person onboard wore their life jackets and waited with baited breath for someone to rescue them. As life was at stake, mobiles, documents and other belongings did not matter to anyone.
Caught between a sinking barge and cyclone, the persons onboard started jumping into the sea in groups of 5-6 members each, holding each other’s hands. Idea was to remain together, so that it was easy for the rescue team to spot them through the lights on their life jackets. But the strong waves were hitting them so hard that most of them got de-grouped in no time.
ONGC vessel Ocean Energy was the first responder to the SOS, followed by INS Kochi and INS Kolkata. But high waves, strong winds, incessant rains and low visibility made it difficult for rescuers to reach them.
The choppy sea made it difficult for the rescue ships to reach near the barge. If the ships tried to move closer, there were chances that they might hit the barge. The rescue teams asked them to swim towards the ships so that they can be lifted. Luckily, for some, rescue teams made it in time.
A total of 186 persons were rescued from Barge P-305. ONGC vessels rescued 54 survivors while rest by INS Kochi and INS Kolkata. Search and Rescue operations continue till all bodies of the deceased are identified by their family members.
After the traumatic hours and fight for survival, the survivors were brought to Mumbai. They were provided first aid and were treated for any serious injuries. While their company provided them with accommodation, ONGC decided to provide an immediate financial assistance of Rs. 1 lakh to the survivors and Rs. 2 Lakhs to the families of the deceased.
Quotes:
NILESH LINGAYAT, Housekeeper, Sinai Maritime
“We were on the ship. They told us to wear a life jacket and stand in the queue and that the Indian navy will come to save us. But I was unconscious when the navy rescued me. I asked navy officers what time they saved me, they told me around 5/6 am, so it seems I was around 14 to 15 hrs in the water. They told me if there would have been any further delay, I may not have survived. We were taken to a nearby guesthouse, were given food, doctor was there to give us first aid and some treatment. ONGC gave us clothes and Rs 100,000 for which we are thankful.”
SUMSUZAMAN MIRZA, Housekeeper, Sinai Maritime
“I was taking rest after duty hours, and suddenly as the storm and rain took its momentum, water gushed on the deck and everyone tried to use small utensils or buckets to throw the water out of the barge. Situation remained grim for quite a while, but when Indian navy rescued us we were taken to a near by guesthouse, were given food, doctor was there to give us first aid and some treatment. ONGC gave us clothes and Rs 100,000 for which we are thankful.”