In a heart-pounding rescue operation, the Indian Coast Guard’s ICGS Ayush came to the aid of ten Tamil Nadu fishermen who had been stranded in the treacherous waters of the Bay of Bengal for a harrowing six days. Their boat had broken down, leaving them at the mercy of the unforgiving sea.
The daring rescue unfolded 83 miles east of the bustling port city. The fishermen, who were aboard a boat from Chennai, had faced unimaginable challenges as they battled the elements and uncertainty. Fortunately, ICGS Ayush was on a coastal patrol mission when they received a distress call that changed the course of their mission.
The Coast Guard swiftly sprang into action, identifying the distressed vessel as IFB Ganapathi Perumal (Manju Matha), which had set sail from Kasimedu harbour in Chennai on August 24. Employing a coordinated search effort involving both surface and air assets, including ships and aircraft, they located the beleaguered boat.
To ensure the safety of the fishermen until their rescue, the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Chennai summoned a nearby merchant vessel, MV Jag Radha, to stand by. This crucial assistance proved invaluable as it bought time for Ayush to reach the scene.
Once on board the Ayush, the weary and relieved fishermen received much-needed medical attention. The Coast Guard’s unwavering dedication and swift action ensured that the fishermen were safely transported, along with their stricken vessel, to Vizag Port.
In a heartwarming conclusion to this high-stakes drama, the fishermen were then handed over to the Fisheries department, reunited with their families, and out of harm’s way. This remarkable rescue operation stands as a testament to the courage and unwavering commitment of the Indian Coast Guard in safeguarding lives at sea.