Karwar: Indian Coast Guard ship Savitribai Phule rescued IFB Christo Rei from deep sea at a range of 30 Nautical Miles from Karwar. The information was provided by Maritime Rescue Sub-Centre (MRSC), Goa about breakdown of IFB Christo Rei off Belekeri on 04 Dec 23.
The boat had departed from Panjim on 29 Nov 23 and has encountered breakdown of gear box, consequent to which boat was drifting. Despite all out efforts the owner could not establish contact with the boat. Coast Guard District HQs (Karnataka) on receipt of information obtained details of the boat from MRSC (Goa) and owner of the boat and tried to contact the boat’s tandel both through VHF and mobile communication but unfortunately, they could not be contacted.
Subsequent, to this an ICG ship in area was diverted to search and provide assistance to IFB in distress. ICGS Savitribai Phule proceeded with best speed to the datum to locate and render assistance. Extensive search operations were conducted in the area and simultaneously, communication with local fishing boats was established to search for the missing fishing boat.
Coast Guard District HQs (Karnataka) and Coast Guard Station (Karwar) engaged with local fishing association to gather more information about the missing boat and reviewed search post factoring the drift patterns in the area was launched by ICGS Savitribai Phule and fishing boats. However, the boat remained elusive throughout the night.
Through relentless efforts from the Ops Centre both at Coast Guard District HQs (Karnataka)/ Coast Guard Station (Karwar) and the ship resulted in finally locating the IFB at a range of 20 nautical Miles from Karwar at 1210 hrs on 05 Dec 23.
Subsequently, arrangements were made for the towing of the boat to the nearest port, Karwar with the involvement of JD Fisheries, Karwar. ICGS Savitribai Phule identified fishing boat Sea Horse to tow IFB Christo Rei to the harbour.
Meanwhile, Coast Guard District HQs (Karnataka) and Coast Guard Station (Karwar) negotiated with the owner of the IFB Sea Horse and convinced them to tow the boat till Karwar. The towing operation commenced at 1340 hrs on 05 Dec 23 and boat is likely to reach Karwar at 1900 hrs ICG ships in area are monitoring the vessel for its safe arrival to Karwar.
