A late-night distress alert triggered a coordinated search and rescue operation by the Andaman & Nicobar Police, leading to the safe recovery of six fishermen whose mechanised dinghy had drifted into open waters off the southern coast of Rutland Island after developing a technical fault.
According to official information, the incident was reported close to midnight on March 18, when the Marine Police Control Room received inputs that a fishing dinghy bearing registration number IND/AN/SA/MO-2475 had gone missing along with its crew. The information was immediately relayed to the Police Marine Force unit at Wandoor, prompting the formation of a dedicated search team.
The response team, comprising personnel from the Police Marine Force and Police Station Humfrygunj, was mobilised in the early hours of March 19. The team deployed onboard a fast interceptor boat and began combing the waters in and around the suspected area of drift. The operation, carried out in challenging conditions during early morning hours, focused on locating the vessel that had reportedly lost propulsion.
After an extensive search lasting several hours, the missing dinghy was located around 7:35 am off the southern coast of Rutland Island. All six crew members onboard were found safe and in stable condition. Preliminary inputs indicated that the fishermen had set out towards Cinque Island for routine fishing activity but encountered a mechanical failure in the propulsion shaft, leaving the vessel adrift and vulnerable to ocean currents.
Officials involved in the operation indicated that real-time coordination between control units and field teams played a crucial role in narrowing down the search area. Inputs were continuously monitored and relayed, enabling the rescue team to trace the drifting vessel before the situation escalated further.
The operation involved securing the stranded dinghy and towing it back to safety. The vessel, along with its crew, was brought ashore at Chidiyatapu without any reported injuries or damage to life. The successful retrieval underscored the operational readiness of marine units tasked with responding to emergencies in coastal and offshore areas.
Personnel from multiple units contributed to the mission, including officers and staff from the Marine Police Control Room and Police Station Humfrygunj, who coordinated efforts to track the vessel’s movement and guide the rescue team. The operation was carried out under the supervision of senior officials from the Police Marine Force.
The incident highlights recurring risks faced by small fishing vessels operating in island waters, particularly when mechanical failures occur far from shore. With limited communication and navigation support in certain areas, such situations can quickly turn critical if not addressed promptly.
Authorities have consistently emphasised the importance of safety protocols for fishermen, including regular maintenance of vessels and ensuring that communication equipment is functional before venturing into deeper waters. While no casualties were reported in this instance, officials indicated that timely information sharing was key to the outcome.
The rescue also reflects the growing role of marine policing units in ensuring maritime safety across the island territory, where fishing remains a primary livelihood activity for many coastal communities. Rapid deployment capabilities and inter-unit coordination have become central to handling such emergencies effectively.
The incident concluded without further complications, with both the crew and vessel secured. The operation adds to a series of recent marine responses aimed at strengthening safety and surveillance across the region’s coastal waters.
