Panaji/Vasco: With cyclone Ockhi affecting weather and sea conditions, around 200 fishing trawlers from neighbouring states chose to take refuge in Mormugao harbour as a precautionary measure even as 100-odd Goan vessels sought safe anchorage in Karwar, Jaigad and Ratnagiri, Coast Guard officials said.
Of the 500-odd fishing vessels of Kerala that went missing, one arrived safely at Khariawadda, said secretary Malyali Kerala Association P C Prasad. The association has contacted the labourers onboard and informed their families that they are safe.
"Many trawlers from other states have come in for shelter," deputy inspector general Indian Coast Guard, Manoj Baadkar said, adding that the fishing boats were from Maharashtra, Kerala, Karnataka and Gujarat.
The Indian Coast Guard has launched a massive search and rescue operation through coordinated sea and air patrols and has assisted several fishermen left struggling in rough seas due to Ockhi.
The Indian Coast Guard has issued an advisory to all fishing vessels and state fishery authorities of Maharashtra, Goa and Karnataka, warning that the cyclone could curve towards the western coast and that fishing vessels should head towards the nearest port.
"These boats were probably fishing outside Goa's jurisdiction and have taken shelter at Vasco after being alerted about the weather warning. All these trawlers and the boatmen aboard are safe," said president of Goa Fishing Boat Owners Association, Augusto Fernandes.
Michael Pereira of the Vasco Fishing Boat Owner Marketing Cooperative Society Limited said the conditions at the Vasco jetty are safe and hospitable. "Most of crew members are staying on-board since the waters near the jetty are comparatively calm. These men have their own provisions of food and utilities, but can approach us if they need anything," Pereira said.
"There are about 30 boats from Betul, Panaji and Vasco jetties anchored at Jaigad. The crew members are constantly in touch with us. We have asked them to stay there until the weather conditions improve," said fishing trawler boat owner, Jerry Fernandes, whose vessels are stranded at Jaigad.
Of the 500-odd fishing vessels of Kerala that went missing, one arrived safely at Khariawadda, said secretary Malyali Kerala Association P C Prasad. The association has contacted the labourers onboard and informed their families that they are safe.
"Many trawlers from other states have come in for shelter," deputy inspector general Indian Coast Guard, Manoj Baadkar said, adding that the fishing boats were from Maharashtra, Kerala, Karnataka and Gujarat.
The Indian Coast Guard has launched a massive search and rescue operation through coordinated sea and air patrols and has assisted several fishermen left struggling in rough seas due to Ockhi.
The Indian Coast Guard has issued an advisory to all fishing vessels and state fishery authorities of Maharashtra, Goa and Karnataka, warning that the cyclone could curve towards the western coast and that fishing vessels should head towards the nearest port.
"These boats were probably fishing outside Goa's jurisdiction and have taken shelter at Vasco after being alerted about the weather warning. All these trawlers and the boatmen aboard are safe," said president of Goa Fishing Boat Owners Association, Augusto Fernandes.
Michael Pereira of the Vasco Fishing Boat Owner Marketing Cooperative Society Limited said the conditions at the Vasco jetty are safe and hospitable. "Most of crew members are staying on-board since the waters near the jetty are comparatively calm. These men have their own provisions of food and utilities, but can approach us if they need anything," Pereira said.
"There are about 30 boats from Betul, Panaji and Vasco jetties anchored at Jaigad. The crew members are constantly in touch with us. We have asked them to stay there until the weather conditions improve," said fishing trawler boat owner, Jerry Fernandes, whose vessels are stranded at Jaigad.
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