Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur

Kundapur, Feb 26: A fishing boat that had set out for fishing from Malpe harbour sank after taking in water in the sea between Kundapur and Gangolli, and five fishermen on board were rescued by fishermen from another boat.

The fishermen on the boat, identified as Prakash, Ranjith, Raghavendra, Rama and Srinivasa, all natives of Kumta, escaped safely.

The Sri Durgaparameshwari boat belonging to Kemmannu’s Nagaraj Putran had left Malpe harbour for fishing on the night of February 23. On February 24, some object reportedly struck the lower portion of the boat in the sea, following which water began entering the lower part near the engine.

As water filled in, the engine of the boat stopped functioning. Those on board immediately tried to bail out the water but were unsuccessful. Subsequently, fishermen from the Sri Krishna boat from Malpe harbour and the Coast Guard personnel arrived and rescued the persons on board.

Later, the Sri Krishna boat tied a rope and towed the vessel for about 8-9 nautical miles towards Gangolli harbour. However, due to strong winds and rough waves, the rope snapped and the boat completely sank. The owner Nagaraj Putran has stated in the complaint that an estimated loss of Rs 60-65 lac has occurred.

A case has been registered at the Gangolli coastal security police station.