Maldivian vessel sinks; 22 crew rescued

A Maldivian container vessel M V Asian Express, which had developed engine trouble off Minicoy islands in Lakshadweep, sank on Thursday morning after its 22 crew, including four Indians, were rescued by the Coast Guard.

The vessel, which was on its way to Male from the Pakistani port of Bin Qasim, sank this morning with its cargo of cement and sand, Coast Guard sources said on Thursday.

The ship started sinking after developing an engine snag. The Coast Guard rescued all its 22 crew members-- 18 Maldivians and four Indians last night. The crew is being brought to Kochi by Coast Guard vessel Varuna and expected to reach in Kochi by Friday, the sources said.

The vessel had developed engine failure last night and was drifting in choppy seas. Some vessels had reported the matter to the CG, which immediately rushed 'Varuna' by 3 pm.

A crack was noticed in the ship's waterline and it had started flooding, the sources said.