THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Coast Guard issued a strict order to a foreign cargo ship that is currently anchored off the coast of Vizhinjam to leave the Indian coast within 48 hours. The ship was anchored off the coast of Vizhinjam after its journey was interrupted due to a compressor failure in its engine.

The authorities of the Coast Guard's Vizhinjam Station instructed the bulk carrier MV SIRA, which was en route from Chennai to the port of Dubai, to immediately fix the fault and leave the Indian coast. The ship has been in the Vizhinjam waters for the past week. With this, the Coast Guard's C-441 ship from Vizhinjam station arrived and inspected it.

Captain Anwar Gamal, an Egyptian national, informed Coast Guard officials that the ship's departure was prevented by a compressor failure in the engine.

The captain also informed that there were 26 crew members on board, including Indians. The Kerala Maritime Board's Vizhinjam authorities had been sought for help in fixing the ship's engine fault.

The ship crew has asked for help in delivering spare parts. However, this can only be delivered once the procedures of agencies including customs and immigration are completed. It is reported that discussions are progressing.