Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 30 July 2023
In a display of remarkable valour and swift action, the Indian Coast Guard Ship C-145 executed a commendable rescue operation on 28th July 2023, saving the lives of three fishermen who were stranded in the treacherous open sea, approximately 30 kilometres away from Diglipur harbour.
The courageous rescue mission unfolded when the fishermen from Shantinagar village in Diglipur set sail at 0630 hours on July 28 aboard their fishing boat, IFB B Gauri. However, their routine fishing expedition took a harrowing turn when both engines of the boat malfunctioned amidst rough seas, leaving them helplessly adrift. The situation worsened as the boat began to flood, eventually leading it to sink at 1630 hours.
For almost an hour, the three fishermen fought for their lives, wearing lifejackets to stay afloat until they caught the attention of the vigilant crew aboard ICGS C-145. The Coast Guard ship was on a routine surveillance mission off Table Island when they spotted the distressed fishermen.
Despite facing daunting sea conditions, characterised by towering waves, powerful winds, and the imminent sunset, the crew of ICGS C-145 quickly mobilised to rescue the stranded fishermen. With immense skill and courage, the Coast Guard personnel executed a flawless rescue operation, pulling each exhausted fisherman out of the water. The rescuers put their own lives at risk to ensure the safe retrieval of the distressed individuals.
Following well-rehearsed rescue techniques, the Coast Guard personnel brought each fisherman onboard the ship. Once safely aboard, the rescued fishermen received much-needed medical attention and care to address their physical exhaustion and ordeal at sea.
With the successful rescue operation concluded, ICGS C-145 steered towards Diglipur harbour, where the grateful fishermen were handed over to local authorities for further management and support.