Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, May 29: A fishing boat named ‘Bhagirathi’, which had ventured into the sea for fishing from Malpe harbour in Udupi, sank about five nautical miles off the Mangaluru coast. All the fishermen onboard were rescued safely.
The boat belonged to Jai Salian of Mabukala in Brahmavar and had set out for fishing on May 24. On May 26 morning, while fishing around 8-10 nautical miles from Mangaluru, the boat developed a problem in its gearbox. At around 9.30 am, the boat arrived at Mangaluru Old Port for repairs.
Later at around 9.30 pm, the boat left through the Alive gate and resumed fishing about five nautical miles into the sea. During fishing operations, the boat reportedly hit a submerged portion of another boat beneath the sea, causing water to enter and the vessel to begin sinking.
At around 12.30 am, when the boat was on the verge of completely sinking, crew members from four nearby boats came to the rescue and saved the fishermen. The sinking boat was tied with ropes and towed with the help of two other boats to Hoige Bazaar near the Old Port dock.
Fish worth around Rs 1 lac stored in the boat after two days of fishing, around 2,500 litres of diesel, navigation equipment including GPS, AIS, wireless set and fish finder, as well as fishing nets, were destroyed in the incident.
Water also entered the engine, leaving the boat beyond repair. The boat owner stated in the complaint that the total loss is estimated at around Rs 25 lac.
A case has been registered at the Mangaluru Coastal Security police station in connection with the incident.