The 400–dwt Minnath (built 1993) was en route to the islands from Vizhinjam with a food cargo when crew noticed water ingress in the engine room on Wednesday evening.
MM Rasheed of owner Finesse Shipping Lines told The Hindu daily that two cracks were to blame.
After turning the ship back to India, the engine failed.
The Indian coast guard was called as the vessel began to sink.
Two
