The 121 meter long, 7085 dwt freighter Asian Express sank in the Indian Ocean near the Lakshadweep Islands while proceeding from Bin Qasim, Pakistan to Male.   The Asian Express was loaded with a cargo of sand and cement when it was disabled after an engine breakdown.  The vessel rolled badly as conditions became rough.  The crew attempted repairs, but the vessel’s hull crack midships.  The vessel suffered water ingress and quickly began to list and sink.   The crew of 22 evacuated to the vessel’s lifeboats before the Asian Express sank.   The crew were later rescued by the the Indian Coast Guard vessel Varuna.

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