NE DEFENCE BUREAU
CHENNAI, OCT 14
A damaged hull, a flooding machinery compartment and pitch-dark seas left six fishermen facing a potentially life-threatening emergency off Tamil Nadu’s Mamallapuram coast. A swift midnight response by the Indian Coast Guard Ship Sujay, however, brought all six to safety after their distressed fishing boat issued an alert at sea.
The rescue operation was launched at about 10 pm on October 12, 2026, after ICGS Sujay, which was on routine patrol, received a distress call from Indian Fishing Boat (IFB) Sri Balaji through a Maritime Mobile Broadcast (MMB) radio device.
- Distress call at 10 pm: ICGS Sujay responds swiftly to fishing boat Sri Balaji’s emergency alert
- 15 km offshore: Critical hull damage and flooding in machinery compartment threaten six crew members
- Night-time operation: Coast Guard personnel brave adverse weather to rescue all six fishermen
- Safe return to Chennai: Ship’s doctor administers first aid; rescued fishermen reach harbour in stable condition
The fishing boat was approximately 15 km northeast of Mamallapuram when it sustained critical hull damage, causing flooding in its machinery compartment and placing the lives of all six crew members at risk.
Braving adverse weather conditions and working in pitch-dark surroundings, the alert Coast Guard crew swiftly located the distressed vessel and safely rescued all six fishermen.
The rescued men were administered first aid by the Coast Guard ship’s doctor before being brought to Chennai Harbour on October 13. All six were reported to be in stable and healthy condition.
The successful midnight operation highlights the importance of rapid distress communication, maritime surveillance and coordinated emergency response in protecting fishing communities and other seafarers operating along India’s coastline.
The Indian Coast Guard reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives at sea, providing timely assistance to mariners in distress and ensuring safety and security across India’s maritime zones.
Through sustained operational vigilance and prompt action during maritime emergencies, the Coast Guard continues to reinforce its role as the “First Responder at Sea”, strengthening confidence among fishermen and seafarers.
The mission also reflects the force’s broader mandate to protect lives, safeguard the maritime environment and secure India’s maritime interests, in keeping with its enduring motto: “We Protect.”