A fishing boat named Tarini-2 capsized late Thursday night in the sea near Satabhaya in Odisha’s Kendrapara district.
All eight fishermen on board survived by swimming to shore.
The boat, registered in Bhadrak district, was returning from a deep-sea fishing expedition when it met with an accident. The incident triggered panic among nearby fishing groups operating in the area. Despite the sudden mishap, the crew managed to escape the sinking vessel and reach land safely.
Local sources confirmed that the boat went down with all its equipment and the entire catch. The loss of the vessel and gear has dealt a financial blow to the fishermen, though no lives were lost.
The fishermen, seasoned in navigating the Bay of Bengal, relied on their swimming skills and presence of mind to survive. Villagers in the area rushed to assist them once they reached the shore.
Authorities have launched an inquiry into the cause of the accident. Preliminary reports suggest that rough sea conditions may have contributed to the capsizing. The district administration has assured support to the affected fishermen and is assessing the extent of the loss.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of small fishing vessels operating in unpredictable sea conditions. Fishermen’s associations have urged the government to provide better safety equipment and real-time weather updates to prevent similar accidents.
The Kendrapara boat capsize highlights the risks coastal communities face while earning their livelihood from the sea. The survival of all eight fishermen offers a rare moment of relief amid the tragedy.
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