Mangaluru :  The State Government has ordered an inquiry to ascertain the facts as to why the tug boats refused to return to the shore despite warnings issued by the district administration. Revenue Minister Mr R Ashoka who visited the cyclone affected areas on Monday, said that the action will be initiated based on the report.

He also directed the MRPL to provide Rs 10 lakh compensation for the crew of the tugboat (alliance) who died as their boat capsized. He also announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh for those where the houses were completely destroyed, Rs 1 lakh for partially damaged and Rs 10,000 for 182 families affected by Cyclone Tauktae.

Earlier, Mr R Ashoka met the rescued crew members of the Coromandel Tug at New Mangalore Port Trust (NMPL) on Monday and thanked the Indian coast Guard, western naval command and district administration for the successful rescue mission. Indian Naval ALH helicopter has rescued four seamen stranded inboard the Tug Coromandel Supporter XI which had run aground close to the coast of New Mangalore. Five of them were rescued by boat. The tug drifted outside the port limits and ran aground rock. ICGS Varaha could not approach the tug due to rough weather. In an early morning operation on Monday, the helicopter got airborne from INS Garuda at Kochi and after refuelling at Mangalore Airport, rescued the four seaman by winching them from the stranded tug.

The seamen were provided medical emergency treatment at Mangalore Airport.