Daijiworld Media Network - Karwar

Karwar, Nov 6: The timely and swift action by the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has saved the lives of seven fishermen in distress due to a fire that engulfed a fishing boat.

According to the official statement, the boat named IFB Varda Vinayaka-I (IND KA 02 MM 4495) caught fire due to a suspected short circuit in the wheelhouse.

The fishing boat was at a distance of 10 nautical miles from Karwar lighthouse.

On receipt of a message by MRSC New Mangalore at 10 pm on Friday November 5 from Coastal Security Police, Malpe C-155 from Karwar was sailed at 10.15 pm for rescue operation and assessment of the incident and evacuation of fishermen.

The fishing boat had 7 fishermen crew onboard. ICGS C-155 reached the spot and immediately swung into action to douse the fire after ascertaining all 7 crew were shifted to nearby fishing boat IFB Vajra. It took 3 hours to completely douse the fire.

On assessing that there was no further possibility of fire outbreak, C-155 provided all assistance to IFB Vajra for towing the ill-fated IFB to Karwar fishing harbour.

On completion of the rescue mission, C-155 handed over the subject vessel to CSP Karwar Boat at sea for further investigations.

All seven fishermen are in a healthy state and all possible moral support to fishermen was provided by ICG.