127 people missing at Mumbai high after cyclone Tauktae hits India

NEW DELHI -- At least 127 people who were on board Barge 305 that first went adrift and subsequently sunk at Mumbai high in India are reported missing after cyclone Tauktae hit that area, officials said Tuesday.

According to the officials, the search for the missing people is underway despite challenging conditions.

Reports said 273 people were onboard P305 barge.

Mumbai high is an offshore oilfield 176 km off the west coast of Mumbai.

A brief statement posted on social media by the Indian navy spokesperson says "146 personnel rescued so far from barge P305 which is sunk on site. Aerial search commenced at first light with Indian Navy P8I on task. Navy Helos standing by await improving of extreme weather conditions."

The barge went adrift hours before a very severe cyclonic storm with winds gusting up to 185 km per hour made landfall on the Gujarat coast.