Indian Coast Guard Rescues 12 Fishermen From Sinking Boat Near Kerala Coast

The Indian Coast Guard has rescued a Kochi-based fishing boat, along with 12 fishermen, from sinking due to underwater hull damage and uncontrolled flooding.

The Indian Coast Guard rescued 12 fishermen from a sinking boat off the Kerala coast.

Source : X/@IndiaCoastGuard

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) rescued a fishing boat named 'Sanju' and its 12 crew members from a potential disaster off the Kerala coast, according to an official statement released on Friday (January 12).

Also in an X post, the ICG said: "India Coast Guard saved a distressed IFB Sanju with 12 fishermen in #ArabianSea, 22 miles West of Ponnani, Kerala. 03 ICG ships (ICGS Aryaman, C-404 and C-144) & 01 ICG Dhruv helicopter were engaged in 12 hours long operation to control flooding and salvage boat."

@IndiaCoastGuard saved a distressed IFB Sanju with 12 fishermen in #ArabianSea, 22 miles West of Ponnani, Kerala. 03 ICG ships (ICGS Aryaman, C-404 and C-144) & 01 ICG Dhruv helicopter were engaged in 12 hours long operation to control flooding and salvage boat.#SavingLife pic.twitter.com/qsQNnggWUQ

— Indian Coast Guard (@IndiaCoastGuard) January 12, 2024

The statement highlighted that on January 11, the 'Sanju', operating from Munambam harbour near Kochi, encountered significant water ingress. This critical situation led the crew to issue a distress signal, prompting an immediate response from the ICG. The rescue operation took place approximately 22 miles off the Ponnani coast.

In a swift response, the ICG deployed multiple assets including the ICGS Aryaman vessel, along with boats C-404 and C-144, and a Coast Guard Advanced Light Helicopter to the distressed location.

The ICG detailed the subsequent actions in its release, stating, "A specialised team from ICGS Aryaman boarded the distressed fishing boat to evaluate the damage and swiftly commenced a comprehensive de-flooding procedure using both diesel-powered and submersible pumps. After a rigorous 12-hour effort, they managed to stabilise the boat by effectively controlling the flooding". 

Throughout the rescue operation, the ICG ensured the crew's well-being by providing essential supplies such as food and administering first aid when necessary.

Following the successful intervention, the ICGS Aryaman escorted the 'Sanju' and its crew safely back to the Munambam harbour. Upon arrival, the boat and its occupants were handed over to the Assistant Director of Fisheries, Azhikode, marking the conclusion of the rescue mission.