A dramatic rescue operation in the Pacific Ocean ended safely after an Ahmedabad-based marine engineer and his fellow Indian crew members helped save all 18 crew members aboard a US-flagged cargo vessel that was in danger of sinking.
Among those involved in the rescue was Parth Vasantbhai Patel, a marine engineer originally from Juni Vasani village in Aravalli district and currently living in Naroda, Ahmedabad. Working aboard the Pacific Yantai, Patel played an important role in the emergency operation, helping the vessel manoeuvre safely during the rescue.
The operation took place in difficult conditions, with rough seas, darkness and a damaged vessel that had already lost its main power and propulsion systems.
Seawater Floods Engine Room
The emergency began when the SLNC York, a US-flagged vessel travelling towards Honolulu, Hawaii, suffered a serious technical failure.
Its stern tube reportedly broke, allowing seawater to enter and flood the engine room.
The crew tried continuously to pump the water out, but the situation continued to worsen. The vessel eventually lost its main power and propulsion systems.
With the ship unable to operate normally and facing the risk of sinking, the crew sent out an emergency distress call seeking immediate assistance.
Pacific Yantai Changes Course
The distress call was received at around 4:55 am by the Pacific Yantai, a VLGC gas carrier travelling from the United States towards South Korea.
Instead of continuing on its planned route, the vessel immediately changed course to help the distressed ship.
The rescue ship travelled through rough seas for nearly 12 hours before reaching the SLNC York at around 6:45 pm.
The situation was challenging because the rescue had to be carried out in difficult weather and poor visibility as darkness had already set in.
Parth Patel Handles Emergency Manoeuvring
Five Indian crew members were serving aboard the Pacific Yantai, including Parth Patel.
During the rescue operation, Patel took responsibility for emergency manoeuvring from the engine room.
His role was critical because the rescue required careful movement of the Pacific Yantai around the distressed vessel while dealing with strong waves and the risks associated with a damaged ship.
Patel and the other crew members continued working despite the difficult conditions to ensure that the rescue could be completed safely.
Two-and-a-Half-Hour Rescue Saves 18 Lives
The rescue operation continued for approximately two-and-a-half hours.
Amid strong waves and darkness, the crew of the Pacific Yantai worked to bring the 18 people aboard the SLNC York to safety.
By around 8:30 pm, all 18 American crew members had reportedly been safely transferred to the Pacific Yantai.
The successful rescue brought relief to the families of all 18 crew members, who had been facing the possibility of losing their loved ones at sea.
Distressed Ship Also Towed to Safety
The operation did not end with the rescue of the crew.
The Indian crew also helped tow the damaged SLNC York towards the coast, preventing the vessel from being lost at sea.
After successfully completing the rescue and towing operation, the Pacific Yantai resumed its journey towards Yeosu, South Korea.
A Gujarati Engineer’s Role in a Life-Saving Mission
For Parth Patel, the operation was a test of skill, teamwork and courage under extreme conditions.
Originally from Juni Vasani in Aravalli district and now living in Naroda, Ahmedabad, Patel was among the Indian crew members who responded when another ship was in serious danger.
His work in the engine room and emergency manoeuvring formed an important part of the operation that ultimately brought 18 crew members safely back from a potentially life-threatening situation.
The successful mission has also highlighted the crucial role of Indian maritime professionals working on international vessels. What began as a distress call from a ship in danger ended with all 18 crew members rescued, the damaged vessel brought towards safety and the rescue ship continuing its journey.
For the families of those rescued, however, the significance of the operation is much simpler: 18 people who feared they might not make it home were given a chance to return safely.
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