Tarun Karthick
Campbell Bay, 13 November 2024
In a swift and successful operation, the Marine Police Operational Centre (MPOC) at Kadamtala, under the Police Marine Force of the Andaman & Nicobar Police, rescued four fishermen stranded in deep-sea waters due to an engine failure on November 11, 2024.
The rescue mission was launched following a distress message received from the Fisheries Department in Mayabunder, North & Middle Andaman. The message reported that a fishing dinghy with four fishermen on board had drifted roughly 16 kilometres offshore after its engine failed, leaving the men stranded in open waters.
Responding immediately, MPOC Kadamtala dispatched personnel HC/2379 K. Jagdeswar Rao and PC/2978 M.K. Giri to conduct the rescue. The team located and assisted the fishermen, identified as residents of Dignabad, Sri Vijaya Puram: Mr. Dharma Rao, Mr. Appalaswamy, Mr. CH Gurumurthy, and Mr. CH Veeraswamy. The fishermen, while unharmed, were in need of water and food, which the rescuers promptly provided to ensure their immediate well-being.
After stabilizing the fishermen’s conditions, the team towed the disabled dinghy back to Baratang Jetty, where repairs on the engine were arranged. The operation, lasting nearly four hours, concluded successfully with both the fishermen and the rescue team returning safely.
This prompt and dedicated response by MPOC Kadamtala underscores the commitment of the Police Marine Force in safeguarding those at sea. Through their professionalism and courage, the officers prevented a potentially life-threatening situation, reaffirming their dedication to the safety and security of island residents and fishermen.