The Malaysian-flagged sailing vessel was transiting 225 nautical miles (410 km) west of Indira Point in Andaman Nicobar Islands when they sought fuelling

A Malaysian-flagged sailing vessel with five Chinese nationals onboard that was recently reported to be running low on fuel mid-sea was provided assistance by an Indian naval ship enabling it to safely resume its journey ahead, the Navy officials on Tuesday said.

The sailing vessel was transiting 225 nautical miles (410 km) west of Indira Point in Andaman Nicobar Islands when they sought fuelling.

Responding swiftly, a surveillance aircraft was deployed to monitor the movement of sailing vessel and diverted mission deployed Indian Naval Ship Kirch to provide assistance.

On Tuesday morning, the INS Kirch intercepted the vessel and provided 1000 litres of fuel, enabling the vessel to safely resume its voyage to its next port of call.

The INS Kirch launched a small team onboard a boat that carried the fuel to the Malaysia-flagged sail boat and did the refuelling.