Karnataka: Coast Guard rescues 7 fishermen in Mangalore

Mumbai: The Indian Coast Guard rescued seven fishermen from the fishing boat Manjeshwari, which was in distress due to flooding, off Mangalore on Tuesday. Fishing boat Manjeshwari, a 27-feet Gillnet boat, had sailed out from old Mangalore Port at about 9:00 am on 7 June 2017 and was heading towards Malpe Harbour. After covering a distance of about 3 km, while transiting off Tannir Bhavi, Mangalore, the boat started getting flooded due to heavy swell and high waves. Due to incessant flooding, the fishermen onboard boat raised alarm for immediate rescue. The information of flooding on the boat was relayed to the Indian Coast Guard headquarters at Panambur, Mangalore by VTMS, New Mangalore Port Trust at 9:25 am. On receipt of the information, the operations team of Coast Guard, diverted Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Savitri Bai Phule from its patrol area to proceed with maximum available speed to render assistance to the distressed fishing boat. Meanwhile, ICGS Rajdoot was also sailed with despatch from Mangalore to augment SAR efforts. On arrival at the incident site at 10:49 am, ICGS Rajdoot rescued all seven fishermen from the boat which was half submerged and in imminent danger of sinking. ICGS Rajdoot entered New Mangalore Harbour at 11:15 am on Tuesday with the rescued crew. The crew were provided with medical assistance and are in a healthy state.  The rescue operation reiterates the Indian Coast Guard’s commitment towards safety of life at sea.