Chennai, Oct 14:
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) rescued six Tamil Nadu fishermen from the sea off the Mamallapuram coast near Chennai during a midnight search-and-rescue operation after their fishing boat suffered critical hull damage and began taking in water.
The ICG Ship Sujay, which was on routine patrol, responded swiftly to a distress call received from the Indian Fishing Boat (IFB) Sri Balaji through a Maritime Mobile Broadcast (MMB) radio device at around 10 pm on Monday.
The fishing boat was approximately 15 km northeast of Mamallapuram when it sustained critical damage to its hull, resulting in flooding in the machinery compartment and placing the lives of all six crew members at risk, according to a defence statement.
Braving adverse weather conditions and operating in pitch-dark conditions, the alert crew of ICGS Sujay located the distressed boat and safely rescued all six fishermen. The Coast Guard ship’s doctor administered first aid to the rescued crew members before they were brought safely to Chennai Harbour on Tuesday morning.
All six fishermen were reported to be in stable and healthy condition following the rescue.
The successful operation highlighted the Indian Coast Guard’s commitment to safeguarding lives at sea and providing timely assistance to mariners in distress, while ensuring safety and security across India’s maritime zones.
Through sustained operational vigilance and prompt responses to maritime emergencies, the Coast Guard continues to reinforce confidence among the fishing community and seafarers.
The timely mission once again underscored the force’s role in protecting lives, safeguarding the maritime environment and securing India’s maritime interests, in keeping with its motto: “We Protect.”