The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) in a coordinated sea-air operation yesterday, amid heavy rains and challenging weather conditions, successfully rescued stranded Indian Fishing Boat (IFB) Aashni with a crew of 11 people about 80 nautical miles off Kochi, Kerala. The boat was in a vulnerable condition due to waterlogging and non-propulsion due to a breach in the hull near the keel, thereby endangering the safety of the people on board.
ICG Dornier aircraft on maritime surveillance detected the Indian fishermen's boat in distress on the night of 16 July 2024. ICG ship Saksham, on patrol, was immediately diverted by ICG District Headquarters No. 4 (Kerala & Mahe) to assist the vessel. To augment the efforts, another ICG ship Abhinav was deployed with an Advanced Light Helicopter to rescue the boat's occupants.
A technical team of the ICG reached the distressed boat, attempted to stop the flooding of the boat and provided necessary assistance. The operation concluded with the rescue of all crew members and the ship.
The boat was then handed over to the Department of Fisheries. This operation once again highlighted the ICG's commitment to ensuring the safety of the country's maritime areas.