Kochi, Dec 7 (PTI) The Indian Navy engaged in search andrescue operations in Cyclone Ockhi-hit seas off Kerala andLakshadweep extended help by giving fuel to a foreign vesselstranded off Minicoy Island.
INS Shardul encountered tug 'Bes Power' of Singaporestranded due to the cyclone 35 nautical miles north-east ofMinicoy Island late last night.
On interrogation, the tug crew requested 45 tonnes offuel to continue passage to Maldives.
"Fuel was transferred to the Tug in true naval ethos ofbeing the first responder to all," a Defence spokesman saidhere today.
Meanwhile, a Dornier aircraft and a ship of the Navy haveleft for rescuing a boat stranded with 15 persons nearLakshadweep islands after receiving a message through anaircraft flying near Kochi, the spokesman said.
He also said a Coast Guard Ship Vaibhav has recovered twobodies off Alappuzha. PTI TGBSS.
This is unedited, unformatted feed from the Press Trust of India wire.