Cyclone Tauktae: Indian Navy sends help to rescue 273 people stranded on Barge near Mumbai

With cyclone Tauktae advancing over Mumbai, several parts of Mumbai and neighbouring areas are witnessing heavy downpour coupled with strong winds. Many areas have been without power since morning. Meanwhile, 273 people are stranded on the Mumbai High Field, 175 km from Mumbai. The navy has launched a rescue operation amidst strong winds and incessant waves to rescue them safely.

"On receipt of a request for assistance for Barge 'P305' adrift off Heera Oil Fields in Bombay High area with 273 personnel onboard, INS Kochi and INS Talwar was sailed with a despatch for Search and Rescue (SAR) assistance," a Navy spokesperson said.

The oil fields are around 70 km southwest of Mumbai. "Several other ships have been readied for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) tasking in the wake of Cyclone Tauktae that has wreaked havoc along the West coast of India," he said.

The Navy has sent ships to rescue them. The Navy has sent two warships INS Talwar and INS Kochi to Mumbai High Field. These ships are expected to reach oil fields by evening. The navy has also ordered other ships and aircraft to be ready for emergency assistance. Efforts are being made to rescue and search for the victims as soon as possible.

The warship is expected to reach the barge around 4 pm. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) on Monday upgraded the warning to extremely heavy rainfall in Mumbai for the next few hours. Gusty wind will continue and escalate up to 120 kmph, informed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). 

Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray is closely monitoring the cyclone situation in the state. As many as 12,420 citizens were relocated to safer places from the coastal areas so far.