Mangaluru: An emergency ambulance boat, built and designed by the Ullal Zone Nadadoni and Gillnet Fishermen’s Union to assist fishermen during medical emergencies at sea, will be inaugurated on January 26. Constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 16 lakh — including Rs 10 lakh raised through public donations — the vessel marks a significant step towards improving emergency response for fishing communities operating in challenging marine conditions.

The specially designed boat has been built by local boat builder Pushparaj and has the capacity to carry up to 30 people at a time. The initiative is aimed at addressing medical emergencies that arise due to accidents, rough weather, sudden illness or injuries while fishermen are out at sea, where immediate access to medical facilities is often impossible.

Long-standing demand from fishing community

The project addresses a long-pending demand of fishermen who have long highlighted the absence of dedicated medical rescue facilities along the coastline. Hameed Solar, a fisherman and president of the Ullal Zone Nadadoni and Gillnet Fishermen’s Union, said the lack of such infrastructure has severely hampered timely rescue and medical intervention.

“There are no dedicated medical rescue boats along this coastline, making emergency response extremely difficult. Fishermen often face accidents due to rough seas, capsised boats, falls on board or sudden health issues. Returning to shore in such conditions is extremely challenging,” he said.

According to him, the ambulance boat is a crucial addition for a community that depends entirely on fishing for its livelihood and routinely works in high-risk environments.

Designed for rescue and medical emergencies

The boat has been designed to function both as a medical ambulance and a rescue vessel. It is equipped with sirens, emergency red lights, night-vision cameras, oxygen cylinders, medical kits, life jackets and other essential rescue equipment.

Union members said the vessel has been carefully planned to ensure stability and space for emergency treatment during transit. The onboard facilities will allow basic life support and first aid to be administered while transporting patients either to shore or to rendezvous points with land-based ambulances.

A trained 15-member team, comprising drivers, rescue personnel and medical staff, will operate the boat. The team has undergone basic emergency response training to ensure quick and coordinated action during critical situations.

Operating base and response mechanism

The ambulance boat will operate from the Ullal Jetty, which is strategically located to provide quicker access to fishing zones along the coast. From this base, the vessel can be deployed rapidly in response to distress calls from fishing boats.

Union representatives explained that fishermen often work several kilometres away from shore, making conventional rescue efforts slow and risky, particularly during rough sea conditions. The dedicated ambulance boat is expected to significantly reduce response time and improve survival outcomes during medical emergencies.

The project is also expected to improve confidence among fishermen, many of whom have continued working at sea despite limited safety infrastructure due to economic necessity.

Public support and future upgrades

The construction of the boat was made possible through a combination of public donations and community contributions. Of the total Rs 16 lakh spent, Rs 10 lakh was mobilised through donations from well-wishers and supporters of the fishing community.

Union members said the strong public response reflects growing awareness about the risks faced by fishermen and the need for better safety mechanisms. Plans are already in place to upgrade the ambulance boat in the future with high-speed engines and more advanced medical and navigation equipment, subject to government funding.

“These upgrades will help us reach emergencies faster and operate more effectively during adverse weather conditions,” a union member said.

Inauguration and ceremonial procession

As part of the inauguration programme on January 26, the ambulance boat will be brought in a ceremonial procession from the Nethravati Bridge to Kotepura. Around 100 fishing boats are expected to participate in the event, symbolising solidarity and collective ownership of the initiative.

Karnataka Assembly Speaker UT Khader will inaugurate the engine of the ambulance boat, while former MLC BM Farooq will formally inaugurate the vessel. The event will also see the participation of South Canara District Central Cooperative Bank chairman MN Rajendra Kumar, who will be facilitated by the union.

Union leaders said the inauguration has been planned not only as a formal launch but also as a message highlighting the importance of safety and preparedness for those who earn their livelihood at sea.

Strengthening coastal safety infrastructure

The ambulance boat initiative is being viewed as a model for community-driven solutions to long-standing safety gaps along the coast. Fishermen’s organisations have often pointed out that while marine resources are extensively utilised, investment in safety and emergency infrastructure has lagged behind.

By taking the lead in designing and funding the project, the Ullal Zone Nadadoni and Gillnet Fishermen’s Union has demonstrated how grassroots efforts can complement government mechanisms. Officials and community leaders expressed hope that similar initiatives would be replicated in other coastal regions.

Conclusion

The launch of the emergency ambulance boat represents a critical step towards safeguarding the lives of fishermen who face daily risks at sea. With dedicated medical rescue capabilities, trained personnel and plans for future upgrades, the vessel is expected to bridge a major gap in coastal emergency response.

For the fishing community, the initiative stands as a symbol of resilience, collective effort and the growing recognition that safety at sea is as essential as livelihood itself.