Coast Guard rescues 8 fishermen

Visakhapatnam: In yet another swift operation, Indian Coast Guard rescued eight fishermen on Saturday by escorting missing fishing boat 'Yohana Devudu' which ventured into sea for fishing on June 22.

The fishing boat was expected to be back on June 30. As there was no response from the boat, the boat-owners informed the Fisheries Department for initiating overdue procedure. On July 5, Indian Coast Guard Station, Kakinada received a message from the Fisheries Department regarding a missing fishing boat.

ICGS, Kakinada diverted Indian Coast Guard Ship Priyadarshini, which was on routine patrol, to the last reported position of the boat. Later, the ICGS Kakinada received a message from Assistant Director of Fisheries that the boat-owner could establish contact with the boat, estimating the position roughly.

It was informed that the boat was drifted towards Paradip due to failure of propulsion and steering system.On receiving information, Coast Guard District Headquarters No 7, Paradip deployed Indian Coast Guard Ship, Sarojini Naidu on July 6.

The ship sailed to reach the datum and started searching the fishing boat. Post extensive search operation, the Coast Guard ship located the fishing boat in distress. Despite harsh sea conditions and strong winds, the Coast Guard Ship Sarojini Naidu straight away closed-in the boat, provided assistance and towed her to Paradip harbor on Sunday thereby saving eight people's lives.