Mangaluru : A Fishing Boat St. Joseph, Reg no. IND-TN-15-MM-5844, from Tamil Nadu stranded off New Mangalore due to engine failure, has been towed to safety to New Mangalore Port (NMPT) by Indian Coast Guard Ship Amartya on 09 June 2018.

Due to rough sea conditions with sea state 4-5, the boat lost its machinery and navigation control on 08 June 2018. With wind speeds of upto 45 knots and swell height of more than 4 metres along with incessant rains, the boat was stranded at high seas with imminent danger to fisherman’s lives on board. The boat with a crew of 10 fishermen had sailed from Kochi.

ICGS Amartya intercepted the distress message on 08 June 2018 and started coordinating rescue efforts with the boat from evening of 08 June. The severe weather and sea conditions resulted in several unsuccessful rescue attempts throughout the night by ICGS Amartya. Notwithstanding the peril of climatic conditions, the ICG vessel was successful in rescuing all fishermen and the boat by successfully connecting tow AM 09 June 2018 and bringing it safely alongside at NMPT at 1315 hrs, by adhering to all the safety precautions. The rescued fishermen were gratified at the ICG effort and called the ship their “Guardian Angel”.

“Braving heavy seas, ICGS Amartya rescued precious lives on the boat and towed it safely to NMPT. A task may be difficult, but impossible is nothing”, Coast Guard District Commander (Karnataka) Dy Inspector General SS Dasila, TM said. The Commander also stated that the Coast Guard has acted on an SOS call from the boat.