Mangaluru: The Indian Coast Guard rescued a fisherman who fell overboard while hauling a fishing net approximately 54 nautical miles (around 100 km) off the Mangaluru coast on Sunday midnight.
The emergency was reported on November 1 through a VHF distress call from fishing boat IFB Shiva Sagar. The fisherman had fallen into the sea while the crew was hauling the fishing net. Although the boat’s crew managed to retrieve him from the water, he required urgent medical attention.
Responding immediately to the distress call, the Indian Coast Guard District Headquarters-3 (CGDHQ-3) launched a rescue operation and deployed ICGS C-448 to the location.
Rescue operation carried out in darkness
Despite the darkness and challenging conditions at sea, the Coast Guard personnel successfully located the fishing boat.
The distressed fisherman was safely evacuated from the vessel and given immediate first aid. He was subsequently transported to the New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) jetty.
Following his arrival at the jetty, the fisherman was admitted to a nearby hospital for further medical treatment.
The swift response ensured that the fisherman received medical assistance without further delay after the incident.
Fishing crew’s prompt action helped
The crew of IFB Shiva Sagar played an important role in the initial rescue by retrieving the fisherman from the water after he fell overboard while the fishing net was being hauled.
However, recognising that he required urgent medical assistance, the crew contacted the Coast Guard through VHF and sought help.
The Coast Guard’s deployment of ICGS C-448 enabled the evacuation to be carried out despite the considerable distance from the coast and the nighttime conditions.
Coast Guard reiterates commitment to saving lives at sea
The operation highlighted the Indian Coast Guard’s role in responding to emergencies involving fishing vessels operating far from the shore.
Fishermen working in deep-sea waters face risks during fishing operations, particularly while handling nets and equipment. Timely communication through emergency channels and coordination with maritime authorities can be crucial in such situations.
The successful rescue once again demonstrated the importance of the Coast Guard’s search-and-rescue capabilities and its commitment to protecting lives at sea.