Indian Coast Guard rescues 11 fishermen which had fire onboard

Bengaluru: The timely and swift action by Indian Coast Guard (ICG) had saved the precious life of 11 fishermen who were in distress due to cylinder blast and fire engulfed on fishing Boat. The fishermen were located 140 miles west off new Mangalore.

A message was received by Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre (MRCC) stating that a TN fishing boat had a massive fire due to cylinder burst onboard IND – TN-15 -MM-5297 name IFB AVKM. Apparently, the fishing boat had 11 fishermen crew onboard. MRCC Mumbai immediately swung into action and diverted Two Offshore Patrol Vessels namely Sachet and Sujeet patrolling in area for immediate assistance.

In addition, ISN was also activated to seek assistance from passing by Merchant Ships to which two merchant ships responded. However, the ICG with State of Art ship proceeded to datum with maximum speed within 3 hr from the time the message was received. Indian Coast Guard, aircraft CG Dornier patrolling in the Arabian Seas in wee hours of January 10 was diverted to vector the distressed fishing boat.

At 11:15 am, CG Dornier spotted the fishing boat in approximate position 140 nautical miles West Off New Mangalore. A two-way communication was established on VHF Channel with fishermen to ascertain the casualty status and be of moral support to the Fishermen.

ICGS Sachet and Sujeet reached the datum at 1 PM on January 10 and immediately assessed the casualty and evacuated the severely injured and administered medical management.

"Braving the high seas, the ship headed for New Mangalore for further specialised hospital management in respect of the casualty. Coast Guard Karnataka, without wasting much of time had liaised with NMPT for berthing assistance and government Hospital Wenlok, Mangalore for specialised medical care," the ICG stated.