ICGS Vikram aids in rescue of stricken TN fishing boat

MANGALURU: The Indian Coast Guard undertook a search and rescue (SAR) mission, some 200 nautical miles off the New Mangalore Port, with ICGS Vikram being deployed to Bitra Island to tow fishing boat Luminous with 13 crew members on board. The boat, owned by Cleetus, which is of Tamil Nadu origin, was crippled following a suspected defect in its prime motor, said DIG S S Dasila, commander, Coast Guard, Karnataka.
Noting that fishing boat Luminous was reported to be in distress by a Coast Guard Dornier on a routine sortie, Dasila said Coast Guard district headquarters 3, Panambur, diverted its New Mangalore Port-based ICGS Vikram out on patrol, to aid the stricken boat. The crew attempted to rectify the defect in the motor and the fuel pump, but the engine failed to start when cranked. Kavaratti based DHQ 12 made arrangements for further rectification of the stricken fishing boat, he noted.

Fishing boat Luminous was towed safely to Bitra Island around 12.30pm on Tuesday, and will be handed over to the owners for further action, Dasila said, urging fishing boats not to venture out alone, but in groups, for their own safety, in case of mechanical failures or other emergencies. “The Coast Guard is committed to rescuing lives at sea, and use of its assets should be called for only in case of extreme emergencies, where loss of life is imminent,” he noted.