Heroic Rescue at Sea: Crew of Cargo Ship Al-Hadba Saves Drowning Man off Pipavav Coast
In a remarkable display of courage and quick thinking, crew members of a cargo ship operating at Pipavav Port in the Gulf of Khambhat rescued a drowning man from rough seas on Sunday. The man, who was spotted struggling to stay afloat amid strong currents near Shiyal Bet, was saved in a dramatic operation t
hat highlighted the seafarers’ bravery and humanity.
The incident took place when Al-Hadba, a cargo vessel operated by Atlantic Global Shipping Company, was anchored at Pipavav. Crew members were carrying out routine work on deck when they suddenly noticed a man being swept away by the powerful currents of the Gulf. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, they immediately threw a life ring into the sea in an attempt to save him. However, strong winds and turbulent waters made it impossible for the man to reach the floating device.
Without wasting any time, the crew alerted the Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) and the Pipavav Port Control Room about the emergency. The situation demanded immediate action as the man appeared to be struggling for his life in the rapidly moving current.
Captain of Al-Hadba quickly decided to initiate a rescue operation using the ship’s own resources. A rescue boat was launched from the vessel, manned by trained crew members who braved the challenging sea conditions to reach the drowning individual. Battling against the fierce wind and strong tidal pull — for which the Gulf of Khambhat is infamous — the team navigated their lifeboat carefully in the direction of the man.
After a tense few minutes, the crew successfully reached him and managed to pull him safely aboard the rescue boat. Witnesses described the scene as both dramatic and emotional, as the man, visibly exhausted and frightened, was finally out of danger. The rescue team then towed the lifeboat back to Al-Hadba, where the man was brought aboard the main vessel.
Once on deck, the crew members immediately attended to him with compassion and professionalism. He was provided with dry clothes, drinking water, and other basic necessities. The man’s condition, although weakened by the ordeal, was reported to be stable. After ensuring his safety, the crew coordinated with the Indian Coast Guard for his formal handover.
Soon, a Coast Guard vessel arrived near the site, and the rescued man was transferred into their care for further assistance and medical evaluation. His identity and how he came to be in the water remain unclear at this stage. However, sources said the Coast Guard has begun an inquiry to determine his background and the circumstances leading to his fall into the sea.
The Gulf of Khambhat, located along India’s western coast, is known globally for its extremely strong tidal currents and unpredictable sea conditions. The gulf’s fast-moving waters often make navigation challenging even for experienced mariners. The successful rescue, therefore, stands as a testament to the crew’s vigilance, training, and teamwork in responding to maritime emergencies.
Officials at Pipavav Port commended the swift action taken by the Al-Hadba crew. “It was a timely and heroic effort. In such harsh sea conditions, every minute counts. The quick response of the ship’s captain and crew saved a precious human life,” said one senior port official.
Maritime experts also lauded the professionalism shown by the crew members. “Such incidents remind us of the selfless spirit of seafarers who are trained not only to operate massive vessels but also to act decisively in life-saving situations,” said a former Indian Navy officer familiar with rescue protocols.
The Indian Coast Guard expressed appreciation to the Al-Hadba team and Atlantic Global Shipping Company for their responsible and humanitarian action. In a brief statement, a spokesperson said, “The alertness and courage displayed by the crew prevented what could have been a tragic loss of life. We commend their swift coordination and adherence to maritime rescue standards.”
For the Al-Hadba crew, it was a day that began like any other but turned into a test of their readiness and courage. Thanks to their determination and presence of mind, a life was saved in one of the most treacherous stretches of the Arabian Sea.
As the rescued man recovers under the care of authorities, the incident serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of vigilance at sea — and the humanity that drives those who work upon it.
Author: shipping inbox
shipping and maritime related web portal
