Coast Guard rescues 24 fishermen stranded at sea

Mangaluru: The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has successfully rescued 24 fishermen from fishing boat Qamrul Bahar, which was stranded at sea, due to gales and swell, about 15 nautical miles off the Bhatkal port.
DIG S B Venkatesh, commander, Coast Guard, Karnataka, said that the rescue was carried out off the Bhatkal port. ICG Ship Kasturba Gandhi, which was on operational deployment off the Karnataka coast, was diverted immediately for undertaking search and rescue operations. The ship arrived at the spot at 8 pm on Thursday and established communication with the stranded fishermen. The fishing boat lost propulsion owing to engine failure. Because of rough weather conditions in the area, the owner of the fishing boat had requested the deputy director(DD) fisheries, Karwar, to rescue the fishermen, who in turn requested the Coast Guard.
On Friday, at around 10.30 am, all the fishermen, who were in good health, were safely shifted on board the ICG ship. Thereafter, the ship proceeded to Karwar Port for handing them over to the DD fisheries. Electronic surveillance in the area is being maintained through a coastal surveillance network, to shepherd fishing boats in the area to safer locations and regular weather, warning advisory is also being transmitted.