Campbell Bay, Sept. 11: On 10 Sep 23, Indian Coast Guard District Headquarters at Campbell Bay coordinated the rescue of stranded fishing boat ‘Bhaskar III’ (IND-AN-SA-MM-2018). The boat with nine crew had left Port Blair for fishing on 25 Aug 23 and was operating near Little Nicobar when it became incapacitated on 08 Sep 23, as its propeller shaft got damaged in rough seas. As a result, the IFB started drifting in the open sea without sufficient food and water.
During routine air surveillance ICG Dornier aircraft sighted the IFB, with its crew waving their hands to draw attention of the aircraft. Understanding that the boat seemed to be in distress, the ICG aircraft passed the information to the nearest ICG Station at Campbell Bay.
On receipt of the distress, ICG Ship Rajkiran was diverted towards the position of the boat. The ship proceeded with best speed towards the fishing boat, braving the rough seas, inclement weather and strong winds. On arrival at the position, ICGS Rajkiran established communication with the boat and tried to rectify the defect. However, due to lack of spares the defect could not be rectified at sea and the boat was taken under tow to the nearest harbour, Campbell Bay.
ICGS Rajkiran entered Campbell Bay harbour in the early morning hours of 11th Sept. 23 and the distressed boat was handed over to the local fisheries authorities. The rescue operation was undertaken with alacrity and resulted in saving of nine precious lives at sea. The operation validated the commitment of ICG in providing assistance to mariners in distress at sea, in line with the ICG Motto of “Vayam Raksham” meaning “We Protect”.