Karwar: MV Infinity-1, an 83 metre long merchant ship, registered at Panama was rescued by the coastal guards on June 10 and is now anchored at the Karwar port.

It is reported that the coastal guards involved in escorting the sinking vessel has demanded 90 lakhs from the owners. The owners has filed a suit in the Mumbai court and the vessel will be retained at Karwar port until further orders. 

On June 10, MV Infinity, carrying 1000 tonnes of bitumen, had reported water ingress when it was 20 nautical miles off Goa coast and was unable to continue the voyage. The coastal guard ship 'Shoor' receiving a distress signal, in a mdnight search and rescue operation,  saved the lives of 14 Indian crewmen.

It immediately brought the flooding in the ship under control by a high speed dewatering pump. Then, the coastal guards dispatched tug boats and escorted it to Karwar safely. A major tragedy at sea was averted because of the coastal guards timely intervention.

For 2 months, specialised experts from Mumbai were brought to fix the rupture in the ship. A week ago, the Mercantile Marine Department approved of the ship's condition to sail in the waters. 

However, the coastal guards has asked for 90 lakhs for the rescue operations. Claiming it to be high, the owners have filed a case at Mumbai court. The case is at the investigative phase, till then,  the vessel will be anchored at Karwar harbour until court orders comes in.