On June 3, the 66 meter long, 2600 dwt dredge barge Ibis began to sink off Ullal, Karnataka, India. The Ibis had been working on breakwater construction when it was caught in bad weather. The dredge began to flood from the heavy seas and was in danger of capsizing.

Local authorities were alerted and the Indian Coast Guard dispatched a rescue vessel which was patrolling near by. The rescue boat arrived on scene and began rescue operations. Rescuers were able to transfer four of the 27 crew on board the Ibis before weather slowed their efforts. Not until the following day did authorities were able to rescue all the remaining 23 crew. No reports of injuries.

Authorities reported there is some concern that some pollution will be released. Several items have broken free from the dredge including gas cylinder and other flotsam. Reports state the Ibis had both fuel oil and diesel fuel on board it’s fuel tanks and the dredge is close to the shoreline making it a high risk of fouling beaches with pollution.

On June 5, the Ibis had partially sank with some of the superstructure still above water. Reports state the dredge will most likely sink by the next day unless authorities can successfully tow the vessel into port.