Indian Coast Guard Rescues Stranded Fishing Boat with 11 Crew off Kerala Coast.
New Delhi:
In a daring sea-air rescue operation, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) successfully saved the Indian Fishing Boat (IFB) Aashni and its 11-member crew today. The vessel, stranded 80 nautical miles from Kochi amidst severe weather, faced imminent danger due to a hull rupture and loss of propulsion.
The mission began when an ICG Dornier aircraft spotted the distressed IFB during a nighttime surveillance on July 16, 2024. Promptly, the ICG District Headquarters No 4 (Kerala & Mahe) mobilized the ICG ship Saksham and dispatched another vessel, Abhinav, alongside an Advanced Light Helicopter for swift rescue operations.
Under challenging conditions exacerbated by heavy rains, a technical team from the ICG boarded the Aashni to conduct crucial de-flooding operations and provide essential aid to the crew. The operation concluded successfully with the safe evacuation of all personnel aboard the stricken vessel.
Following the rescue, the IFB Aashni was transferred to the Fisheries Department. This operation once again highlighted the Indian Coast Guard’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation’s maritime territories and ensuring the welfare of seafarers in distress.
