Port Blair, Aug 23: In a Search and Rescue Operation near Rangat Bay, Indian Coast Guard ship C-147 located and assisted a fishing dinghy Shyamla Kumari, with 04 crew. The dinghy was stranded at sea 12 nautical miles from Rangat due to engine failure. The boat had sailed from Panighat fishing harbour on 20 Aug 2016 for fishing; however, due to problem in her engine, the boat could not return. This information was given to police, who in turn alerted Coast Guard for providing assistance to the boat.
On receipt of information, Coast Guard Ship C-147 patrolling in the area, was diverted to search for the missing boat. At about 1305 hrs, Coast Guard ship C-147 located the boat approximately 05 nautical miles North-East of Long Island. The crew informed that the boat was adrift since 0930 hrs in the morning due to engine failure. Since repair of engine was not possible, the boat was towed to Rangat harbour by Coast Guard ship and handed over to another boat arranged by the owner at 1600 hrs on 23 August 2016.
Coast Guard has reiterated that it is important for all fishermen to carry DAT and lifesaving equipment on their boats, so that they can inform Coast Guard authorities about any distress situation and can be saved. Fishermen can also inform about any distress situation to Coast Guard on toll free number 1554.
