6 Tamil Nadu men stranded off Cape Comorin rescued by Indian Coast Guard

A defence release here said in the search and rescue mission, ICGS Aadesh, on patrol in the Gulf of Mannar, was diverted to provide assistance to fishing boat ‘El-Sahadai’ with six crew on board.

The Tamil Nadu-origin boat was crippled at sea since November 17 following a suspected defect in its engine’s clutch assembly. The Maritime Rescue Sub-Centre at Thoothukudi received the distress message from the boat late on November 17.

Sensing the urgency of distress, the ship was immediately diverted to proceed towards the area and undertake search and rescue operations, the release stated.

ICGS Aadesh subsequently reached the area about 0800 hours on Monday and commenced search operations for the boat.

Additionally, a Coast Guard Dornier aircraft was also tasked to carry out a sea-air coordinated search for the boat.

The Dornier then sighted the boat about 1345 hours and vectored ICGS Aadesh to her.

The crew had attempted to rectify the defect in the clutch assembly, but theengine failed to start.

ICGS Aadesh provided logistics support and also made arrangements for further rectification on the engine. The attempts, however, went in vain, the release added.

About 1630 hours, ICGS Aadesh towed the boat safely to Colachel and reached Thengapattanam fishing harbour at 0930 hours onTuesday.

The incident could again highlight the disadvantages of fishing boats venturing out alone. The rescued fishermen were advised to undertake fishing in groups adhering to safe practices at sea and carry adequate life-saving appliances and communication equipment onboard.

During the rescue mission, the officials at the Coast Guard district headquarters at Thoothukudi were in constant communication with the boat owner and Fisheries authorities, the release added.