Sri Vijaya Puram, July 15: A joint search and rescue operation by the Indian Coast Guard and Indian Navy rescued two fishermen after their fishing boat remained stranded and adrift in rough seas for nearly three days following an engine failure off Hut Bay in Little Andaman, highlighting the critical role of maritime emergency response systems in ensuring the safety of fishermen operating in the Andaman and Nicobar waters.
The fishermen, Amarendra Halder (34) and Parimal Rai (40), were rescued on July 13 after the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC), Indian Coast Guard Regional Headquarters (A&N), Sri Vijaya Puram, received a distress alert from the Andaman and Nicobar-registered fishing boat DEEP (IND-AN-SA-MO-178).
According to the Indian Coast Guard, the fishing boat had departed from the Deepika Nandapur Fish Landing Centre at Hut Bay at 10 a.m. on July 10 with the two crew members onboard for fishing. Shortly after sailing, the vessel suffered a complete engine failure, leaving it without propulsion in adverse sea conditions.
The disabled boat drifted for nearly three days amid rough seas, heavy swells and strong winds. The onboard Distress Alert Transmitter (DAT) remained the only means through which the fishermen were able to communicate their emergency and seek assistance.
Immediately after receiving the distress alert on July 13, the MRCC coordinated a joint Search and Rescue (SAR) operation under the Andaman Nicobar Command.
Indian Coast Guard Ship Rajveer and Indian Navy air assets were deployed for the rescue mission. Despite adverse weather conditions, the drifting fishing boat was located at around 2 p.m. on July 13.
During the operation, an Indian Navy aircraft maintained continuous visual contact with the distressed vessel and guided Indian Coast Guard Ship Rajveer to its precise location, enabling the rescue team to reach the fishermen safely.
Both fishermen were recovered from the boat and brought onboard the Coast Guard ship, where they underwent first aid and medical assessment. Officials confirmed that both were found to be in stable condition.
Following the rescue, the fishermen were brought to Sri Vijaya Puram and handed over to the concerned authorities for further formalities.
The operation was carried out under the Andaman Nicobar Command through coordinated action between the Indian Coast Guard and the Indian Navy after the distress alert was received by the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre.
The Indian Coast Guard stated that the successful rescue reflects the continued operational readiness of maritime agencies in responding to emergencies at sea and reinforces ongoing efforts to safeguard fishermen and strengthen maritime safety across the Andaman and Nicobar region.
