Daijiworld Media Network - Nellore

Nellore (Andhra Pradesh), Nov 2: Seven fishermen who were stranded at sea after their boat's engine failed were rescued safely by authorities off Andhra Pradesh's Potti Sriramulu Nellore district on Monday.

District Collector Himanshu Shukla said the fishermen had become stranded near Juvvaladinne in the Kavali constituency after their boat suffered an engine failure. All seven were safely brought ashore.

Sea conditions have turned rough due to the severe cyclonic storm 'Murasu' over the Bay of Bengal. Authorities have advised fishermen not to venture into the sea and asked those already out at sea to return to shore.

The Collector said the successful rescue was made possible through coordinated and prompt action by the Fisheries Department, Marine Police and local fishermen, who ensured that both the boat and all seven occupants were brought to safety.

The fishermen had ventured into the sea from Juvvaladinne Fishing Harbour for a fishing trip. After noticing a change in weather conditions, they attempted to return to the harbour. However, the boat's engine failed while they were on their way back, leaving them stranded around half a kilometre from the harbour entrance.

Surveillance personnel stationed at Juvvaladinne Fishing Harbour noticed the situation and immediately alerted the concerned authorities.

Following the alert, officials from the Fisheries Department and Marine Police, with the assistance of local fishermen, launched a rescue operation. However, reaching the stranded boat initially proved difficult due to the high intensity of the sea waves.

During the operation, the boat's anchor snapped, causing the vessel to drift towards Patakadapalem village under the impact of strong waves.

Acting swiftly, Marine Police personnel, Fisheries Department officials and local fishermen coordinated their efforts to track the drifting vessel and continue the rescue operation. They eventually managed to bring the boat safely ashore at Patakadapalem, ensuring that all seven fishermen were rescued unharmed.

The District Collector commended the Fisheries Department officials, Marine Police personnel, surveillance staff and local fishermen for their presence of mind and coordinated efforts in saving the lives of the stranded fishermen.

He also urged fishermen to remain vigilant during adverse weather conditions and strictly follow safety advisories and instructions issued by the authorities.