Mangaluru, Nov 14: As many as 13 fishermen have been rescued by the Indian Coast Guard that undertook a search and rescue (SAR) mission, some 200 nautical miles off the New Mangalore Port.
The drifting fishing boat ‘Luminous’ owned by Cleetus, which is of Tamil Nadu origin, was crippled following a suspected defect in its prime motor, said DIG S S Dasila, commander, Coast Guard, Karnataka.
With 13 fishermen from Tamil Nadu on board, the stranded boat was first noticed by Coast Guard Dornier during its routine patrol on Sunday.
The coast guard swung into act and deployed its off-shore partol vessel ICGS Vikram to Bitra Island. The crew attempted to rectify the defect in the motor and the fuel pump, but the engine failed to start when cranked. Kavaratti based DHQ 12 made arrangements for further rectification of the stricken fishing boat.
Luminous was finally towed safely to Bitra Island around 12.30pm on Tuesday, and will be handed over to the owners for further action, said DIG S S Dasila, commander, Coast Guard, Karnataka.
He urged fishing boats not to venture out alone, but in groups, for their own safety, in case of mechanical failures or other emergencies.
“The Coast Guard is committed to rescuing lives at sea, and use of its assets should be called for only in case of extreme emergencies, where loss of life is imminent,” he noted.



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