Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (DV)

Mangaluru, May 27: Indian Coast Guard has rescued seven Tamil Nadu and three Kerala fishermen from boat IFB IND-TN-15-MM-5338 named 'Lord of The Ocean' stranded in the Arabian Sea, 20 nautical miles off the coast of New Mangalore Port, stated a press release from the Coast Guard. Stephen (45), Napoleon (60), Prabhu (38), Saji (41), Raji (38), Sagaraji (50), George Bush (50), Krispin (38), Sajan (26), Doneo (38) were the stranded fishermen.

It is said that the boat was adrift in the sea due to the engine failure. The distress message from the boat was transmitted through VHF to ICG's Maritime Rescue Sub Coordination Centre New Mangalore (MRSC). Upon receipt of information, in a swift operation, Coast Guard immediately diverted C 448 on patrol for immediate assistance and ICGS Rajdoot sailed from Mangalore Port for rescue operations, a release said.

The mechanized fishing boat had fortunately taken shelter at Porbandar on May 14 due to cyclonic storm 'Tauktae'. The IFB had set sail from Porbandar on May 19 and whilst facing the seas from Porbandar en-route, off New Mangalore Port it had encountered engine failure thereby losing propulsion. However, the engines could not start and required further assistance at New Mangalore Port. Meanwhile, MSV AL-BADRIYA MNG-471 was requested by the Coast Guard to provide tow assistance till ICGS Rajdoot arrived datum. On reaching datum, ICGS Rajdoot brought the boat to safety up to Old Port Harbour so that it could be handed over to the assistant director of the fisheries department. The Coast Guard maintains effective electronic surveillance of the Karnataka coast through the Coastal Security Network (CSN) system, the release said.