The Indian Navy said it had rescued a total of 60 persons from Barge P305 of Bombay High Oil fields have been rescued till midnight on Monday, IBNS reported.

"42 persons have been rescued by INS Kochi and 18 by offshore support vessel Energy Star in extremely challenging sea conditions," the Navy Spokesman said, adding that Search and Rescue (SAR) operations will continue through the night for the remaining crew.

In a separate effort, INS Kolkata has rescued two survivors from the life raft of vessel Vara Prabha... and has now joined INS Kochi for the SAR of Barge P305 crew, he added.

Gal Constructor, a barge with 137 persons onboard has been adrift off Colaba Point due to engine trouble and the vessel has been approached by an Emergency Towing Vessel Water Lily which has arrived in its vicinity for rendering assistance. The barge continues to drift in view of extreme sea conditions.

These ongoing rescue efforts will be augmented by Indian Naval aircraft and helicopters, weather permitting, at first light on May 18 and the SAR efforts will be continued through the day, the spokesperson added further.

The Indian Navy on Monday afternoon received an urgent SOS message from the two Barges of Ministry of Petroleum and Gas PSU ONGC operated Bombay High Oil fields carrying 400 personnel drifting from its position near Heera oil field and sought help to rescue them.

Despite the extremely severe cyclonic storm Tauktae in Arabian Sea, India Navy dispatched its ships INS Kochi and Kolkata to SAR operation.