Sri Vijaya Puram, March 20: The Andaman & Nicobar Police once again demonstrated exemplary professionalism and prompt response in a successful operation carried out jointly by the Police Marine Force, Wandoor and Police Station Humfrigunj and rescued a drifting fishing dinghy and saved the lives of six crew members off the southern coast of Rutland Island.
On 18/03/2026 at about 2355 hrs, information was received at the Marine Police Control Room that a mechanized engine dinghy bearing Registration No. IND/AN/SA/MO-2475, had gone missing along with a few persons onboard. The information was immediately relayed to the In-charge, PMF Wandoor and a search and rescue team was formed.
The rescue team comprising of Inspr (M) Sunil Kumar, SI (ED) Arun Kumar Rai, ASI (SG)/934 Saw Yona, PC/2942 Percy and PS Humfrigunj staff HC/1424 SK Shil and PC/2734 Raja was deployed onboard FIB MV Aberdeen in the early morning at about 0435hrs. After an extensive search operation, the stranded dinghy was successfully located at about 0735 hrs in the southern coast of Rutland Island at coordinates 11°20.393′ N and 92°37.281′ E and all six crew members were found safe and in good health. The crew reported that they had departed towards Cinque Island for fishing and developed a technical snag in its propulsion shaft and was drifted towards the high seas.
During the operation, SI Abdul Nazir, I/c MPCR PMF and SI Gaurav Banerjee, SHO PS Humfrigunj played a crucial role in coordinating with the team and assisting in tracing the location of the missing dinghy.
The rescue team skillfully secured the stranded boat and towed it safely to the shores of Chidiyatapu, ensuring the complete safety of both the individuals and the boat. The entire operation was carried out under the supervision of the Superintendent of Police, Police Marine Force.
The Director General of Police, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, lauded the efforts of the team and stated:
“This operation reflects the highest standards of professionalism, dedication and coordination displayed by our personnel. The timely and courageous action of the Police Marine Force and PS Humfrygunj has saved precious lives. The entire team was appreciated for their exemplary service and unwavering commitment to duty.”
The general public and the fishermen community are requested to promptly share any credible information or distress calls on telephone number 03192-239247 or the toll-free number 1093 for assistance.
