Nine Indians among 14 rescued by Sri Lankan Navy from drifting merchant vessel

The Sri Lankan Navy rescued 14 crew members, including nine Indian nationals, from the merchant vessel Integrity Star after it suffered a major engine failure and lost electrical power while sailing about 100 nautical miles south of Sri Lanka.

Naval spokesman Commander Buddhika Sampath said the crew was “in a desperate situation” as the ship drifted without propulsion or power before the Navy intervened. The distress alert was received through the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Colombo, which coordinated the operation under directives from Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Defence.

Responding swiftly, the Navy deployed its offshore patrol vessel SLNS Samudura to locate and rescue the stranded sailors. Another merchant ship in the area, MV Morning Glory , also remained on standby to provide assistance if needed.

The 14 rescued crew members, including nationals from India, Turkey, and Azerbaijan, were safely brought to the southern port of Hambantota. All are reported to be in stable condition.

Officials said Integrity Star lost both its main engines and backup generators, leaving it without navigation or communication capabilities. The vessel remains adrift in the Indian Ocean, and arrangements are being made by its owners to tow it to port for repairs.

The incident highlights both the perils of maritime travel and the vital role of Sri Lanka’s naval rescue network in safeguarding regional shipping routes. Authorities have not yet disclosed the cause of the mechanical failure or whether the ship’s cargo poses any additional risks.