Port Blair, Aug 27: In a swift response and deftly coordinated Search and Rescue Operation on 25 Aug 21, Indian Coast Guard located rescued a distressed fishing boat ‘Salethmatha-II’ with 10 crew onboard off Keating Point.
The Indian Coast Guard Regional Headquarters at Port Blair received a distress call from IFB Salethmatha-II regarding drifting of fishing boat alongwith 10 crew onboard off Keating Point at around 1845 hrs on 24 Aug 21. As per the information received from sources, the fishing boat ‘Salethmatha-II’ ventured into sea with 10 crew for fishing on 22 Aug 21 from Junglighat fishing harbor, Port Blair. On 24 Aug 21, the engine of the fishing boat became non ops due to rough weather. Efforts of the boat crew were in vain to repair the engine. The boat crew dropped anchor off Keating Point to prevent from drifting towards land.
Coast Guard Ship ICGS Aruna Asaf Ali on routine patrol was immediately diverted to locate the distressed boat and provide assistance. The information was also shared with Fisheries and Police Marine Force for rescue efforts.
Coast Guard Ship Aruna Asaf Ali reached in area at 0620 hrs on 25 Aug 21, ship’s boarding party and technical team embarked the fishing boat by 0915 hrs. The defect was rectified by the Coast Guard technical team and thereafter the boat was escorted safely off Car Nicobar Island for having shelter view prevailing inclement weather. All ten crew are safe and healthy.
This entire search and rescue operation reflects commitment of Indian Coast Guard towards safeguarding precious lives at sea against all odds. The operation reflected effective coordination between Indian Coast Guard and Fisheries Department and resulted in saving 10 precious lives at sea amidst prevailing rough and severe sea conditions.
