In a rescue operation near Dhanuskodi on Thursday, December 28, 2023, a group of quick-thinking fishermen came to the aid of four stranded colleagues whose boat had suffered severe damage in the Palk Bay. The dramatic incident unfolded on the night of December 27 when a boat operated by four fishermen from Uchipuli, Vedalai, and Pudu Road was en route to Dhanuskodi.
The perilous situation arose when one of the fishermen noticed a hole in the vessel, leading to rapid water ingress. In a matter of minutes, the boat was rendered unusable, prompting the crew to cling desperately to the icebox and diesel jerry can onboard, navigating treacherous ocean currents.
Fortunately, the distressed fishermen were spotted by another group of vigilant fishermen on a mechanized boat, who wasted no time in executing a successful rescue mission. The stranded quartet, identified as Subramani, Murugandi, Manickam, and Nambukumar, were safely brought ashore, unharmed but shaken by the harrowing experience.
Just two days prior, the Fisheries Department had issued 489 tokens, leading approximately 1,400 fishermen to venture into the sea for their livelihood. The successful rescue marks a testament to the camaraderie among the fishing community in the region.
Despite the fortunate outcome, the Fisheries Department reported that the rescued fishermen suffered significant losses, including their catch, fishnets, and the boat itself, amounting to an estimated total value of ₹25 lakh. While the four fishermen have now returned home unscathed, the incident underscores the challenges and risks faced by those dependent on the sea for their livelihood.