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Distress Call: Indian Cargo Vessel Listing in Bay of Bengal

Update: 

Chennai, India - August 26, 2024 (17:00 IST) - A tragic update has emerged in the situation involving the cargo vessel MV ITT Puma. A new INMARSAT message received by the Indian Coast Guard (MRCC Chennai) confirms the vessel sank at approximately 10:15 AM UTC (3:15 PM IST), August 25th, at its reported position of 20 degrees 27 minutes North and 88 degrees 35 minutes East in the Bay of Bengal.

Search and Rescue Efforts Ongoing

While this is a devastating development, there is also some positive news. The Indian Coast Guard successfully rescued 11 crew members from the MV ITT Puma. However, the search continues for the remaining three crew members who are currently missing.



Chennai, India - August 26, 2024 - The Indian Coast Guard (MRCC Chennai) issued a distress call this morning for the cargo vessel MV ITT Puma (IMO 8116128). The vessel reported a sudden list to port (leaning heavily to one side) at approximately 4:30 AM UTC (9:30 AM IST) in the Bay of Bengal, at position 20 degrees 27 minutes North and 88 degrees 30 minutes East.


Suspected Cargo Shift and Water Ingress

The MV ITT Puma crew suspects a cargo shift has caused the vessel to list. They also reported water ingress, likely from the port side crew cabins.

Urgency for Assistance

The Indian Coast Guard is requesting all vessels transiting the area to maintain a sharp lookout and render assistance to the MV ITT Puma if possible. Vessels are asked to acknowledge the distress call and report their position, course, and speed to MRCC Chennai.

Vessel Details

  • Name: MV ITT Puma
  • IMO: 8116128
  • MMSI: 419361000
  • Flag: India
  • Length: 72 meters
  • Beam (width): 11 meters

Weather Conditions

The current weather in the area is reported as:

  • Wind: Southerly to southwesterly at 14 knots with gusts up to 21 knots
  • Sky: Cloudy with a chance of rain
  • Waves: Up to 2 meters

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