Bengaluru, 06 Nov 2021
The timely and swift action by the Indian Coast Guard had saved the lives of 7 fishermen in distress due to fire engulfed on a fishing boat IFB Varda Vinayaka-I (IND KA 02 MM 4495) due to short circuit in wheel house. The fishing boat was at distance of 10 NM from Karwar light house.
On receipt of message by MRSC New Mangalore at 2200 h on 05 Nov 21 from CSP Malpe sources, C-155 from Karwar was sailed during night hours at 2215 h for SAR MISSION for an assessment of the incident and evacuation of fishermen.
Apparently, the fishing boat had 7 fishermen crew onboard. ICGS C-155 reached datum at 2215 h and immediately swung into action of dousing the fire after ascertaining all 7 crew shifted to nearby fishing boat IFB Vajra Regd No. IND KA 02 MM 4705.
C-155 braving the inclement weather took 3 hours to completely douse the seat of fire. On assessing that there was no further possibility of fire out-break, C-155 provided all assistance to IFB Vajra for towing the ill-fated IFB to Karwar Fishing Harbour.
On completion of rescue mission C-155 handed over the subject vessel to CSP Karwar Boat at sea by 0400h on 07 Nov for further investigations. Thereafter, C-155 entered Karwar at 0530 h on 07 Nov. All 07 fishermen are in healthy state and all possible moral support to fishermen was provided by ICG.