NE NEWS SERVICE
CHENNAI, OCT 8
In another successful operation in the wee hours of Wednesday (October 7, 2020), the Indian Coast Guard team rescued a fishing boat along with 6 fishermen.
A release from Defence PRO said that about 5 a.m. on Wednesday (October 7, 2020) ICGS Vaibhav whilst on routine patrol received a VHF call that a fishing boat with 6 crew onboard was in distress due to flooding in the engine room.
The boat was 48 nautical miles south east of Manappad. On receiving the message, ICGS Vaibhav swiftly swung into action and reached the distressed fishing boat at 10.45 a.m. on Wednesday (October 7, 2020). The sight of the ICG ship provided a sense of relief and assurance to the distressed crew members of the fishing boat.
The initial assessment by the Coast Guard Rescue Team revealed seepage of sea water in the boat’s engine room because of a broken keel. The Ship’s Damage Control Team immediately operated the portable submersible pumps and commenced de-flooding. Once the water level in the boat receded, the team undertook repairs using quick drying cement/oakum and wooden wedges.
On successful arrest of sea water ingress and completion of repairs, the boat was directed to proceed to Tharuvaikulam Fishing Harbour in Thoothukudi district. The fishing boat and the crew safely entered Tharuvaikulam fishing harbour at 3 a.m. on Thursday (October 8, 2020). All crew are reported to be healthy.
The incident once again showcased Indian Coast Guard’s resolve and commitment towards safety of life at sea, upholding its motto ‘We Protect’ and ready to undertake operations at sea 24×7, the release added.
