Kundapur: The remains of the fishing boat ‘Sri Balanjaneya’, which sank in the sea near the Gangolli estuary on Wednesday, were found washed ashore at Handattu seashore in Kota Padukere on Thursday.
The fishing boat was completely shattered after sinking in the sea, with its broken remains subsequently being washed ashore and found gathered at one location along the coastline.
Inspector Ramesh K of the Gangolli Coastal Security police station, sub-inspector Subrahmanya and other personnel visited the spot and conducted an inspection of the remains.
Boat sank near Gangolli estuary
The purse seine fishing boat ‘Sri Balanjaneya’, owned by Nagaraj Moger of Mundalli in Bhatkal, had ventured into the sea from Gangolli for fishing.
The boat reportedly encountered strong waves in the estuary area a short distance from Gangolli port while returning from the fishing operation.
The rough sea conditions caused the boat to get caught in powerful waves, following which it sank into the sea.
The incident raised concern as 27 fishermen were on board the vessel when it got into difficulty.
The fishermen were reportedly in danger after the boat began sinking, prompting an immediate rescue operation.
All 27 fishermen rescued
Local fishermen and personnel from the Gangolli Coastal Security Police responded to the emergency and managed to rescue all 27 fishermen who were on board the boat.
The successful rescue ensured that no lives were lost in the incident despite the boat sinking in the sea.
The fishermen were brought to safety after the vessel went down in the waters near the estuary.
The incident once again highlighted the risks faced by fishermen operating in coastal waters, particularly when strong waves and rough sea conditions develop near river mouths and estuaries.
Fishing equipment lost at sea
While all 27 fishermen were rescued, the fishing boat suffered extensive damage and was completely shattered.
The fishing nets and other equipment carried on board the vessel were also lost in the sea.
The loss of the boat and fishing equipment is expected to cause a significant financial setback to the owner and the fishermen associated with the vessel.
The remains that washed ashore at Handattu provided an indication of the extent of the damage sustained by the boat after it sank.
The broken sections of the vessel were found gathered at one spot along the shoreline.
Coastal Security Police inspect site
Following the discovery of the remains, Inspector Ramesh K of the Gangolli Coastal Security police station, sub-inspector Subrahmanya and other police personnel visited Handattu seashore.
The officials inspected the remains of the fishing boat and assessed the situation.
The inspection is expected to help establish further details about the incident and the condition of the vessel after it sank.
The discovery of the remains also confirmed that parts of the boat had been carried by the sea currents towards the Kota Padukere coastline.
The incident occurred close to Gangolli port, an important fishing centre on the Karnataka coast, where fishing boats regularly venture into the sea.
Rough sea conditions pose risks
The sinking of ‘Sri Balanjaneya’ highlights the risks faced by fishing crews when strong waves develop near coastal waters.
Estuary areas can be particularly challenging for fishing vessels because river currents and sea waves interact in these stretches.
In this case, the boat reportedly encountered strong waves shortly after venturing into the sea from Gangolli.
The quick response by local fishermen and the Coastal Security Police played a crucial role in ensuring the safety of all 27 people on board.
The loss of the vessel and fishing equipment, however, leaves the fishing community facing the economic consequences of the incident.
The remains of ‘Sri Balanjaneya’ have now washed ashore at Handattu in Kota Padukere, while further details regarding the damage and the circumstances leading to the sinking are expected to emerge following the inspection.