Port Blair, May 10: The Indian Coast Guard rescued five fishermen from fishing boat MFV ‘KALAMMA’ which was in distress off Bomilla Creek near Hutbay on 9th May 21. The Indian Coast Guard Regional Headquarters at Port Blair received an unregistered DAT (Distress Alert Transmitter) alert from DAT ID-85068 at around 1100 hrs on 09 May 21. On receipt of information, Indian Coast Guard promptly launched Search and Rescue operation and sailed out Coast Guard Ship C-412 from Hutbay at 1200 hrs for investigation and assistance. Since the alert was activated from an unregistered DAT, the details of the boat and its owner were not available with Indian Coast Guard. The information was immediately shared with Fisheries authorities with a request to provide the details of person/boat issued with said DAT.
Braving rough seas and strong winds, at around 1430 hrs, the Coast Guard Ship successfully located the distressed boat and provided the boat crew with basic necessities and first aid. During preliminary investigation, the boat crew informed that they sailed from Junglighat on 03 May 21 for fishing. While fishing in Bomilla Creek, during night on 08 May 21, the boat go toppled due to high swell and inclement weather and its engine got damaged due to ingress of salt water. The boat crew managed to upright the boat and tried to operationalize the engine, however, engine failed to start and the boat was adrift. Subsequently, the crew activated DAT to alert authorities for assistance.
The technical team of CG ship tried to repair the engine; however, the defect could not be rectified view non-availability of engine specific spares. Understanding the criticality of situation in prevailing inclement weather, the boat was taken under tow by Coast Guard Ship C-412 and was brought to Hutbay at around 1945 hrs on 09 May 21. All five boat crew are reported to be safe and healthy. The boat alongwith its crew was handed over to local police at Hutbay for further formalities.
The Coast Guard Spokesperson said that “The instant case highlights the importance of carriage of DATs by fishing boats and its effectiveness in saving lives at sea. Further, Indian Coast Guard, at various forums, has not only reiterated the importance of carrying DAT by Indian fishermen but also highlighted the significance of registration of DATs by fishermen for effective SAR response. Such successful Search and Rescue (SAR) mission reinforces the trust and confidence of our fishermen on Indian Coast Guard as a leading SAR agency. This SAR operation, has once again proved professional acumen and unabated commitment of Indian Coast Guard towards safeguarding precious lives at sea in all spheres of operations befitting with the motto of Indian Coast Guard VAYAM RAKSHAMA - WE PROTECT”.