Mangaluru : The boat was flooded and the aft part of it had submerged in water. The boat was escorted safely to Malpe harbour at 9.20 am, said Coast Guard Karnataka Commandant K R Suresh.

On receipt of information, regarding the distressed boat on Thursday evening, Coast Guard Rescue Sub Centre (MRSC) (Mangaluru) functioning under Coast Guard Karnataka HQ diverted ICGS Amartya from its designated patrol area to search and render assistance to the boat. Simultaneously, Coastal Security Police were also requested to deploy boat and all other boats fishing in the area were informed to keep a lookout and assist the boat.

Meanwhile, the Coast Guard contacted the owner of the boat. The MRSC (Mangaluru) coordinated the search and rescue operation of the fishing boat with ICGS Amartya, CSP, fishermen and the owner. After elaborate search, the ICGS Amartya located the boat at 4 am on Friday.

The boat was taken under tow by fishing boats Jaishankar and Mahadevi. All the six crew of the distressed boat were safe and transferred to another boat. The aft part of Bhagya Nidhi was submerged due to excessive flooding. ICGS Amartya continued to escort the distressed boat till Malpe.

The fishing boat Bhagya Nidhi, along with other two boats, entered Malpe harbour at 9.20 am and was secured alongside jetty.

Suresh urged the fisheries department to ensure seaworthiness of fishing boats prior to permitting them to proceed for fishing. All the boats should have lifesaving and communication equipment. The department should maintain identity of boats/crew to render prompt response.

The boats should operate in groups, so that timely location and assistance is possible.