Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 21 July 2024
In a dramatic late-night rescue operation, the Andaman & Nicobar Police successfully rescued three fishermen stranded on Nicholson Island near Swaraj Dweep. The operation was initiated on July 20, 2024, at approximately 8:30 PM, after receiving information from the Indian Coast Guard Headquarters about the stranded fishermen.
Upon receiving the distress call, senior officers swiftly formed a combined rescue team comprising personnel from Police Station Swaraj Dweep and the Police Marine Force. The team, equipped with the location details provided by the Coast Guard Control Room, embarked on the night-time mission to locate and rescue the fishermen.
Thanks to the proactive and courageous efforts of the rescue team, the fishermen were located and safely rescued by around 11 PM. The rescued individuals have been identified as:
1. Mr. Ashok Dutta, 47, from Haddo, Lillypur.
2. Mr. Vinod Kindo, 42, from Ferrargunj.
3. Mr. Christopher Bara, from Namunaghar.
The fishermen had departed from Port Blair on July 17, 2024, in their fishing dinghy when adverse weather conditions forced their vessel onto the shores of Nicholson Island. The rough seas and inclement weather caused significant damage to their boat, leaving the fishermen stranded.
Upon rescue, the fishermen were brought to Swaraj Dweep Island and provided with necessary medical assistance at PHC Swaraj Dweep. Efforts are currently underway to salvage the damaged boat from the wreckage site.
Director General of Police, ANI, Mr. Devesh Chandra Srivastva, IPS, praised the police rescue team for their exemplary professionalism and bravery in conducting the late-night operation. He highlighted the team’s commitment to the police motto ‘Nirbhaya-Nipun-Nishpaksha’ (Fearless, Efficient, Impartial) and announced a suitable reward for the brave personnel involved.