Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi

Udupi, Nov 21: A fishing boat sank mid-sea, but all five fishermen on board were successfully rescued. The incident resulted in fish, nets, and other equipment being lost to the sea, causing damage estimated in lacs of rupees.

The boat, named Veerakalkuda and owned by Ravindra N Poojary of Sastana Kodikanyana, had left Malpe port on the evening of November 17 with a tandel and four fishermen. They carried out fishing activities through the Panambur NMPA port and Tannirbhavi route, and continued at sea on November 18. The boat was said to be fishing around 17 nautical miles west of Mangaluru.

On November 19, while fishing, strong sea waves reportedly struck the bottom of the boat, damaging the fibre structure and causing water to gush inside. As the boat began sinking, fishermen aboard the nearby vessel Veera Maruti rushed to the spot and rescued all five fishermen before bringing them safely ashore.

The boat sank completely, along with 10 fishing nets, diesel, ice blocks, fish worth Rs 60,000, GPS and other electronic equipment, and five mobile phones. The total loss is estimated at around Rs 35 lac. A complaint has been lodged at the Mangaluru Coastal Security police station.