The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) carried out a crucial rescue operation, saving 31 fishermen from the IFB (Indian Fishing Boat) Sant Anton-I. The vessel had been adrift in the Arabian Sea, approximately 100 nautical miles off New Mangaluru, for an agonizing 11 days due to a critical steering gear failure.
The operation was initiated following reports about the missing Goa-based fishing boat. The Coast Guard’s Karnataka unit, headquartered in Mangaluru, swiftly launched a comprehensive Search and Rescue (SAR) mission to locate the vessel, which was last seen roughly 100 nautical miles off New Mangaluru.
The fishing boat was adrift in the Arabian Sea, approximately 100 nautical miles off New Mangaluru, for 11 days due to a steering gear failure.
A Coordinated Sea-Air Effort
The dedicated Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Kasturba Gandhi, already on routine patrol, was immediately redirected to the boat’s last known coordinates. Concurrently, a Coast Guard Dornier aircraft from Kochi was dispatched for an aerial sweep to pinpoint the missing vessel, which had drifted significantly due to challenging weather. Utilizing their integrated operations centre and real-time weather data, the Coast Guard effectively predicted the boat’s probable drift, guiding the ICGS Kasturba Gandhi to the precise location. The Dornier aircraft successfully spotted the fishing boat, allowing the ICGS Kasturba Gandhi to swiftly reach the scene. There, the crew provided essential assistance, including logistical support, a thorough damage assessment, and on-site repairs to the steering system, ensuring the boat’s watertight integrity.
Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Kasturba Gandhi and a Coast Guard Dornier aircraft from Kochi were sent to locate the missing boat.
Once the vessel was stabilized, the Coast Guard team safely transferred the distressed IFB Sant Anton-I to another fishing boat for towing to Honnavar fishing harbour, in Uttara Kannada district, ensuring the complete safety and well-being of all 31 crew members onboard.
This rapid and expertly coordinated sea-air rescue mission, carried out despite demanding weather conditions, perfectly highlights the Indian Coast Guard’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and upholding safety at sea.