MV Emerald Star: Indian Navy sends aircraft to rescue missing sailors in Manila

An Indian Navy plane took off for Philippines's Manila to conduct a search and rescue operation for the missing sailors of MV Emerald Star, which sank North East of the capital city.

One P-8I (Navy 323) took off from its base at 11.45 p.m. last night and is expected to reach Manila at 9.00 a.m. local time (01:00 UTC).

Following that, the search and rescue operations will begin right away.

The aircraft is equipped with two SAR kits that contain a 10 men inflatable dinghy, emergency food and water supply onboard, which can be airdropped for survivors.

According to reports, the ship was carrying 26 Indians on board.

On 13 October, the MV Emerald Star had sent a signal to the Japanese coastguard as it sailed 280 km east of the northern tip of Philippines, hours before it became untraceable. 

-ANI