The Indian Coast Guard has successfully rescued 19 people including 18 Indians and 1 Ethiopian from a Gabon-flagged vessel. The vessel started to flood yesterday morning when it was around 41 miles west of Ratnagiri coast.<br />''<br />''Within minutes of receiving the distress call, ICGS Sujeet and ICGS Apoorva were diverted for the rescue operation.<br />''<br />''International Safety Net and NAVTEX warnings were relayed to alert other Merchant Vessels in the area.<br />''<br />''A Coast Guard advanced light helicopter was also deployed. While the vessel is presently adrift, the owners have been requested to augment preventive measures for marine pollution.<br />''<br />''The vessel was carrying asphalt bitumen. <br />''<br />''<br />