Coast Guard airlifts 9 fishermen, including 3 injured, from sinking boat off Daman
Nine fishermen, three of whom sustained minor injuries, were rescued on Tuesday from a fishing boat that reportedly began sinking in the Arabian Sea. The operation was carried out by a team from the Indian Coast Guard Air Station (ICGAS) Daman, which responded to a distress call and deployed a helicopter for the mission.
According to an official release, the distress call concerned an Indian fishing boat carrying nine crew members. The vessel was reported to be sinking, which posed an imminent threat to the lives of all nine on board. The Coast Guard team acted promptly, launching a Chetak helicopter to the boat's reported position.
The helicopter crew successfully airlifted all nine fishermen from the stricken vessel. During the rescue, it was observed that three of the fishermen had sustained minor injuries. The injured men were brought to the ICGAS Daman facility, where they received first aid. Subsequently, they were shifted to a government hospital for further medical treatment.
The operation highlights the Indian Coast Guard's continuous readiness to save lives at sea. Similar rescue missions are conducted regularly along India's coastline, especially during monsoon months when sea conditions become hazardous for small fishing vessels. The Coast Guard maintains round-the-clock surveillance and rapid-response capabilities to assist mariners in distress.
The official release did not specify what caused the boat to sink or the exact location of the incident, but emergency protocols were followed to ensure the safety of the crew. The swift and coordinated response by the Coast Guard averted a potential tragedy and reaffirmed the maritime law enforcement agency's unwavering commitment to protecting lives at sea and ensuring the safety of fishermen and mariners.
Local fishing communities often rely on such rescue operations, as unseasonal weather and mechanical failures can leave boats vulnerable. The Coast Guard has urged fishermen to carry safety equipment and communication devices, and to report their voyages to the nearest station. This incident is a reminder of the risks faced by those who earn their livelihood from the sea, and the importance of timely emergency response.
The rescued fishermen are reported to be in stable condition, with the three injured receiving medical attention. Further details, including the identity of the boat and the cause of the distress, have not yet been released by authorities.
