Cyclone Forces Oil Tanker to Ground Off India, 1 Mariner Dead

Cyclone Nilam barreled through India bringing heavy downpours and intense winds with it.

As a result, a massive oil tanker ran aground off the Chennai coast in churning waters, leaving one crewman dead and five or six are still missing. Strong winds with speeds of up to 80kmph triggered huge waves.

The Times of India reported that the captain of the oil tanker, MT Pratibha Cauvery, ordered his crew to abandon ship after the vessel lost anchor and drifted within 50 meters of Besant Nagar beach, where it ran aground. It appeared to be in impending danger of sinking.

22 of the 37 crewmembers attempted to head for shore in a lifeboat after abandoning ship. The overloaded vessel capsized in the rough waters. Nearby fishermen attempted to rescue the mariners, but were only able to bring 16 of them ashore. The body of one sailor was later recovered. Three others are in critical condition.

The Navy, Coast Guard and other agencies are searching for the remaining six crew members of Pratibha Cauvery.

At least three other people were killed in Andhra Pradesh where heavy rain and wind pounded the coastal districts.