Port Blair, July 30: On 28th Jul 2023, in a commendable rescue operation, Indian Coast Guard Ship C-145 saved the lives of three fishermen who were struggling in the open sea 30 km away from Diglipur harbour.
The fishermen from Shantinagar village, Diglipur had ventured to sea at 0630 hrs on 28 Jul 23 onboard fishing boat IFB B Gauri (Regn. No. IND-AN-MN-MO-1470). However, both engines of the fishing boat malfunctioned in rough seas and the boat got flooded, eventually sinking at 1630 hrs.
The fishermen had been battling for survival for approximately one hour using lifejackets till they were spotted by the alert crew of ICGS C-145 which was on a routine surveillance mission off Table Island. Despite daunting sea conditions, including high waves, strong winds and approaching sunset ICGS C-145 swiftly rescued the distressed fishermen. The fishermen were totally exhausted having endured a harrowing ordeal in the unforgiving sea and had to be pulled out of water by ICG personnel, putting their own lives at risk. Employing well-rehearsed rescue techniques, the Coast Guard personnel skillfully brought each fisherman onboard. Once aboard, the rescued fishermen were given necessary medical care and thereafter, brought to Diglipur harbour and handed over to local authorities for further management.
This successful rescue operation is a testament to the Indian Coast Guard's unwavering vigil and commitment to safeguarding lives at sea.