Gujarat: Coast guard rescues seven fishermen after boat catches fire

AHMEDABAD: The Indian coast guard personnel on Sunday rescued seven fishermen when their boat caught fire in mid-sea off the Gujarat coast, said a statement by the defence PRO.
"Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Arush, whilst on patrol close to notional IMBL rescued 07 fishermen from burning boat ‘Kalash Raj’ on Sunday in coordination with other fishing boats in the area. The boat reportedly caught fire due to fuel leakage from engine exhaust," said a statement.
It said that the ICGS Arush under the command of Commandant (JG) Ashwini Kumar, arrived with maximum speed at the scene of fire and quickly engaged in firefighting operations, however, due to the rapid spread of fire, the boat 'Kalash Raj' could not be salvaged and ultimately sank.
The rescued crew members, who were exhausted and visibly tired, were taken onboard and provided with first aid and initial assistance by the ICG ship, said the statement.
As the ICG ship was on forward area patrol, the ship handed over the rescued fishermen to other fishing boat operating in the vicinity for passage to Okha. The boat is likely to reach Okha on Monday, it said.