Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (MS)

Udupi, Dec 30: Fishermen of the district have demanded a well-equipped sea ambulance to save their lives if they face any danger in deep sea during fishing.

The demand for sea ambulance is placed by the fishermen five years ago. But the state home department does not seem to be bothered. Hence, the leaders of fishermen have warned of severe protest.

When a fishing boat ventures into deep sea for fishing, it returns only after 10 to 15 days. Sometimes it does not return for even a month if it faces accidents, inclement weather or rough sea. In such situations, health condition of fishermen on boat gets upset and sometimes the boat sinks and their lives will be in danger.

If sea ambulance is available, the lives of fishermen can be saved as the fishermen can be lifted quickly to the shore and taken to hospital. At present other nearby boats rescued the boat in danger. But the delay in bringing them to the shore has caused many fishermen to lose their lives.

Though MLA Raghupati Bhat has mentioned this issue in the assembly session, the state home department does not pay heed. The main office of coast guards is at Malpe fishing port. Even they do not have a well-equipped boat. So the fishermen leaders are demanding for a well-equipped rescue boat with sea ambulance.