In a dramatic turn of events, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) successfully brought 31 fishermen to safety on October 25, 2025. Their fishing vessel, the IFB Sant Anton-I, had been stranded and adrift in the vast Arabian Sea for an agonizing 11 days, approximately 100 nautical miles off the coast of New Mangaluru, following a critical steering gear failure.
The Karnataka unit of the Coast Guard, based in Mangaluru, sprang into action, initiating a comprehensive Search and Rescue (SAR) operation. This came after receiving an urgent report on Friday, October 24, about the missing Goa-registered vessel. The last reported position of the fishing boat was roughly 100 nautical miles from New Mangaluru, as confirmed by a Coast Guard statement released on Sunday, October 26, 2025.
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.
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Special arrangement
Coordinated Sea and Air Rescue
The Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Kasturba Gandhi, already engaged in routine patrol duties, was swiftly redeployed to the last known coordinates of the distressed vessel. Concurrently, a Coast Guard Dornier aircraft from Kochi was dispatched to conduct an aerial search for the missing boat, which had drifted considerably due to challenging weather conditions at sea.
Utilizing its advanced integrated operations center and real-time weather intelligence, the Coast Guard meticulously calculated the probable drift path and guided the ICGS Kasturba Gandhi to the updated location. The Dornier aircraft successfully spotted the fishing boat on October 25, enabling the ICGS Kasturba Gandhi to swiftly reach the site. There, the crew provided crucial support, including essential supplies, a thorough damage assessment, on-site repairs to the steering system, and ensuring the vessel’s watertight integrity, as stated in the official release.
Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Kasturba Gandhi and a Coast Guard Dornier aircraft from Kochi were sent to locate the missing boat.
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Special arrangement
After stabilizing the vessel, the Coast Guard ship then transferred the distressed IFB Sant Anton-I to another fishing boat, which safely towed it to Honnavar fishing harbour in Uttara Kannada district. This ensured the complete safety and well-being of all 31 crew members.
“This prompt and expertly coordinated sea-air rescue mission, executed despite formidable weather conditions, stands as a testament to the Indian Coast Guard’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and ensuring maritime safety,” the release emphasized.