Nishar Mohammed & Vikramaditya
Port Blair, Apr 25: In a distressing turn of events, a fishing vessel namely ‘Periyandavar’, which is registered as ‘IND-AN-SA-MM-1976’, along with its 10 inboard crew members, encountered engine malfunctioning while returning to Port Blair from Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu. The vessel’s plight, approximately 340 nautical miles from Chennai Port and 420 nautical miles from Port Blair, sparked urgent calls for rescue and intervention.
Local authorities swiftly responded to the alarming situation. The matter was quickly taken up with the Fisheries Department and the Indian Coast Guard. Voices were also raised for immediate action to ensure the safety of the crew and facilitate the retrieval of the stranded vessel. Additionally, the Coast Guard was informed, emphasizing the critical need for prompt rescue operations to avert potential national security risks posed by leaving the vessel adrift.
In parallel, members of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Fishing Vessel Owners Welfare Association took proactive measures upon learning of the distressing news. They mobilized resources and dispatched a local fishing vessel, ‘Bhasker-1’, to the site to tow and bring back the stranded vessel and its crew to Port Blair.
Speaking to Andaman Sheekha, representatives of the Association expressed optimism that ‘Bhasker-1’ would successfully retrieve the stranded vessel and its crew, with the operation expected to conclude tomorrow. This initiative showcases the collective efforts of local stakeholders to address maritime emergencies and underscores the resilience of the coastal community.
