Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Jul 10: A long-cherished dream of the coastal fishing community is all set to become a reality as Karnataka’s first-ever sea ambulance is expected to be ready by the next fishing season in 2026. The fisheries department will soon commence the construction of the multi-crore emergency vessel, which will cost approximately Rs 7.85 crore.
According to fisheries department director Dinesh Kumar Kaller, the work order for the sea ambulance will be issued next week. The vessel will be ready in about seven months and is being developed in response to repeated demands from the fishing community.
Representational image
The sea ambulance will be powered by an 800 HP engine and will include facilities such as four to five hospital beds, four paramedical staff members, an oxygen unit, refrigerator, stretcher, and a mortuary unit. It will serve as an emergency medical support system for fishermen facing health issues or accidents while at sea.
In addition to medical equipment, the ambulance will be equipped with fire extinguishers, a fire suppression system, 20 life jackets, life-saving kits, and two rafts to ensure safety during rescue operations.
While deep-sea fishing boats typically operate with engines of 350 to 400 HP capacity, this 800 HP vessel, despite its lower relative power, is designed specifically for rescue and medical emergencies. It will bring patients to shore where further treatment can be administered. The ambulance is likely to be stationed at the busy Malpe port or in Mangaluru, where it will be ready to respond to emergency calls.
Sea ambulances are already operational in several foreign countries for the protection of fishermen and tourists. In 2023, India provided two sea ambulances to the Maldives. Kerala currently operates three sea ambulances. A team from Karnataka recently studied Kerala’s sea ambulance model and is incorporating advanced technology and GPS systems for easier tracking of boats in distress.
During the 2023 Karnataka Assembly election campaign, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had promised a sea ambulance service for the coastal region while interacting with fishermen in Ucchila, Udupi. He had responded to a request from a fisherwoman by assuring that the demand would be fulfilled.
The project was officially announced in the 2024–25 state budget by chief minister Siddaramaiah. He confirmed that the initiative was a step towards fulfilling the promise made by Rahul Gandhi to the fishing community.
The state’s first sea ambulance, equipped with an 800 HP engine and full-scale emergency facilities, is expected to be operational during the upcoming fishing season, following the issuance of the work order next week.