Port Blair, July 08: In third rescue operation within a week, Coast Guard saved lives of 08 fishermen near Diglipur on 7th July 2016. The Coast Guard Ship Kanaklata Barua which was on area patrol rescued a fishing boat “RSN-3” with 08 crew that was stranded at sea 15 nautical miles north east of Diglipur due to engine failure. The boat had sailed from Port Blair fishing harbor on 03 Jul 16 for fishing, however, due to problem in her engine, the boat got stranded and could not return.
At about 0630 hrs on 07 Jul 16, ICGS Kanaklata Barua on patrolling received a VHF call from the fishing boat at 0715 hrs approximately 15 nautical miles North East of Diglipur. The crew informed that the boat was adrift since 0900 hrs of 06th Jul due to defect on engine cooling pump. Since repair of engine was not possible, the boat was towed to Diglipur harbor by Coast Guard ship and handed over to another boat arranged by the owner.
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.
