Sri Vijaya Puram, May 05: A well-coordinated Mock Drill on Boat Capsizing was successfully conducted on 05-05-2025 at Marine Jetty, Sri Vijaya Puram, Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The exercise was jointly conducted by the Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS) in collaboration with the Directorate of Disaster Management, Health Department, Police Department, Marine Police, and Fire & Emergency Services.
The drill simulated a critical emergency involving the passenger boat ML Rama Krishna, which was reported to be capsizing near the Marine Jetty. At exactly 10:00 AM, a distress call was received from the boat master of ML Rama Krishna. In immediate response, MV Mohit, stationed at the wharf, was deployed for rescue operations. Equipped with a trained crew, expert swimmers, and medical personnel carrying first aid kits, MV Mohit reached the site swiftly. By 10:10 AM, the ML Rama Krishna vessel was successfully rescued and towed back to the harbour. A total of six injured persons were safely evacuated, given prompt first aid, and subsequently shifted to awaiting ambulances by the DSS crew and Fire & Emergency teams.
Following the mock drill, a debriefing session was held, where valuable insights and suggestions were discussed. Key takeaways included the need for: Comprehensive training of all crew members in life-saving techniques, rescue swimming, and CPR. Then Regular sensitization of boat passengers on the importance and correct usage of life jackets and Ensuring that each vessel carries an adequate number of life jackets to minimize casualties in real emergencies. The exercise proved to be highly beneficial for all participating personnel, especially the crew members and Jetty staff. It served as a practical training module that strengthened their readiness and coordination in handling real-time disaster scenarios at sea.
The Directorate of Shipping Services emphasized that such drills would continue regularly to ensure heightened disaster preparedness and public safety across the islands.
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