Port Blair, Aug 01: The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Airavat on Saturday rescued seven fisherman stranded on a 20m long Fishing Vessel, Saleth Matha II off the coast of Car Nicobar. The distressed fishing boat is based at Port Blair and was adrift in sea due to a major defect in its gear box since the morning of 29 Jul 21.
INS Airavat was returning from Jakarta, Indonesia post successful delivery of COVID-19 relief material as part of Operation Samudra Setu II. While INS Airavat was transiting through the strait at Car Nicobar it received a distress call from the Fishing Vessel at 11 pm on 30 Jul 21. Despite a bad sea state INS Airavat immediately proceeded towards the distressed vessel at its maximum speed to render assistance and successfully established contact with the distressed fishing vessel.
Gusting winds of the South West monsoon of more than 25 Knots, rain and swell upto 3.5 meters made the towing process an extremely difficult task. However, with sheer determination and skill the distressed fishing vessel could be towed with INS Airavat. All crew membersof the fishing vessel have been rescued and one injured person is under medical care onboard the INS Airavat. The vessel is being towed to the nearest harbour for further assistance. Coast Guard Ship Rajkiran has also been diverted towards INS Airavat for additional assistance.
