Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Aug 1: Five persons had a narrow escape after a fishing canoe capsized off Aguada Fort near Sinquerim on Thursday morning, with three of them rescued after drifting towards Reis Magos due to strong sea currents.

The incident occurred at around 9.04 am, following which the Fire and Emergency Services received an alert at the Pilerne Fire Station.

According to officials, all five occupants were on board the fishing canoe when it overturned. Two of them managed to swim safely to the shore at Aguada, while the remaining three clung to the overturned canoe as they were carried away by the current.

Before fire service personnel could reach the spot, the three stranded persons were rescued near Reis Magos by the Coastal Police with the assistance of local fishermen.

All five occupants were rescued safely, and no injuries or fatalities were reported.

Authorities said the prompt response by the Coastal Police and local fishermen helped avert a major tragedy.