Boat from Malpe catches fire at sea; 7 fishermen rescued

Udupi, Oct 7: As many as seven fishermen have been rescued by some other fishermen and Indian Coast Guard after their boat caught fire off the Karnataka coast.

The fishing boat Akash, registered at Malpe, caught fire some 45 kms from Karwar at on Wednesday night. At about 8.15pm, fishermen on board Akash informed ICGS Rajdoot and other boats in vicinity that they were under danger and required immediate rescue. This information was also shared with Coast Guard Karnataka.

On receipt of the message, Maritime Rescue Sub Centre (MRSC), New Mangalore swung into action and directed ICGS Rajdoot, patrolling in the area, to rush for assistance.

Meanwhile, fishing boat Sitali, which was operating in the vicinity picked up all seven fishermen. ICGS Rajdoot moved at its maximum speed and reached the site at 10.37pm where the fishing boat was engulfed by a major fire and emanating excessive smoke, an Indian coast Guard communique stated.

The rescued fishermen reported that there was 2,000 litres diesel and LPG cylinders on board the stricken vessel. Taking all the precautions, ICGS Rajdoot started fighting the fire. Thereafter, ICGS Rajdoot took onboard the rescued fishermen and proceeded towards Malpe to hand them over to Coastal Security Police and all seven were handed over to CSP at 8.50am on October 6 off Malpe, Commandant Gulwinder Singha of Coast Guard Karnataka added.

A Coast Guard Dornier Aircraft was also tasked on Thursday to ascertain the status of the burnt boat, which incidentally had not sunk. Mariners and fishing boats operating in the area have been cautioned to maintain safe distance while transiting through the area.

DIG K R Suresh, commander, Coast Guard Karnataka appreciate the prompt and coordinated response by Coast Guard units as well as fishing boat Sitali, in responding to SOS by the fishing boat Akash.