Chennai: The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has successfully rescued nine Tamilnadu fishermen who were stranded mid sea about 95 nautical miles off Andhra Pradesh coast after the boat engine developed a technical snag.
A Defence release here said in a successful Search and Rescue Operation the ICG Ship Priydarshini in sea-air coordinated search located the stranded Tamilnadu fishing boat along with nine crew members, adrift 95 NM away from Andhra Pradesh coast.
The fishing boat had sailed from Chennai 13 March for fishing and developed a technical snag on the main engine on 25 March and has since been drifting away from land.
The stranded boat along with the distressed crew were located by the ICG aircraft operating from Chennai and the crew were comforted.
ICGS Priyadarshini patrolling in the area was diverted for immediate assistance.
Upon reaching, the ICG Ship provided technical support, rectified the defect and made the boat operational.
All the nine crew are reported to be healthy. The boat was escorted near to the Andhra coast and entered Visakhapatnam.
During this rescue mission, the officials of the Indian Coast Guard were in constant communication with the boat owner and fisheries authorities.
The incident once again highlights the disadvantages of fishing boats venturing out alone.
The fishermen are advised to undertake fishing in groups adhering to safe practices at sea and carry adequate life saving appliances and communication equipment onboard.