The Marshall Islands-flagged bulk carrier Sigma Pearl lost propulsion and ran aground off India’s east coast during severe weather associated with Cyclone Arnab.

The incident occurred on October 28, 2026, off the coast of Andhra Pradesh, near Antarvedi and the Ravva offshore oil field in the Bay of Bengal.

The vessel had previously departed Visakhapatnam after discharging a cargo of sulphur.

Sigma Pearl left the port at around 00:17 on October 27 and was heading toward Singapore as weather conditions in the region rapidly deteriorated.

According to preliminary reports, the vessel suffered a main propulsion failure or loss of propulsion during the voyage.

Unable to manoeuvre effectively, the bulk carrier began drifting under the influence of strong winds and heavy seas.

The storm eventually pushed the vessel into shallow water, where it ran aground close to the coast.

Sigma Pearl is approximately 180 metres long and has a deadweight of 32,688 tonnes.

The vessel was built in 2010 and sails under the flag of the Marshall Islands.

At the time of the incident, the area was being affected by severe Cyclone Arnab.

According to Indian meteorological authorities, sustained wind speeds during landfall reached around 125–135 km/h, with gusts of up to 150 km/h.

Several ports along India’s east coast suspended cargo handling and vessel movements because of the severe weather.

After Sigma Pearl grounded, the master requested assistance.

The Indian Coast Guard launched a major search and rescue operation.

The offshore patrol vessel ICG Sujay was deployed to the scene, along with a Coast Guard helicopter.

For the aerial part of the rescue, responders used a helipad in the Mogalthur area of West Godavari district.

Rescuers initially evacuated 13 crew members, who were transferred safely to ICG Sujay.

Seven seafarers remained on board.

Despite difficult weather conditions and heavy seas, the Coast Guard continued the operation.

By the evening of October 29, the Indian Coast Guard confirmed that all 20 crew members from Sigma Pearl had been successfully evacuated.

No fatalities or injuries were reported.

Following the rescue, attention turned to the condition of the grounded bulk carrier.

Specialists are expected to assess possible damage to the hull, propulsion system and other onboard equipment.

Authorities are also monitoring the area for any potential fuel leakage or marine pollution.

So far, there have been no confirmed reports of an oil spill.

The vessel remains aground, while authorities and representatives of the shipowner are expected to determine the next steps for a salvage operation.

Any attempt to refloat Sigma Pearl is likely to follow a technical inspection and improvement in weather conditions.

The grounding of Sigma Pearl became one of the most significant maritime incidents associated with Cyclone Arnab, but the Indian Coast Guard successfully evacuated all 20 seafarers from the vessel.