The Indian Coast Guard rescued all 20 crew members from the Marshall Islands-flagged bulk carrier SIGMA PEARL on October 29, 2026, after the vessel ran aground off Antarvedi on India's Andhra Pradesh coast during severe weather associated with Cyclone Arnab.
The rescue involved ICGS Sujay and a Coast Guard helicopter, operating in rough seas. The vessel's master requested assistance after attempts to free the ship were unsuccessful. All crew members were brought to safety,.
The grounding was reported on October 28, after the vessel had left Visakhapatnam the previous day. Initial accounts indicated that SIGMA PEARL experienced propulsion difficulties and drifted towards the coast, where strong winds and heavy surf contributed to the grounding.
Cyclone Arnab made landfall along the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coast early on October 28. The India Meteorological Department classified the system at landfall as a very severe cyclonic storm. The storm brought damaging winds and heavy rainfall to the coastal region, disrupting transport and electricity supplies.
Following the evacuation, authorities were assessing the grounded vessel's condition and coordinating with its management and owners over salvage arrangements.