The Indian Coast Guard carried out a daring rescue operation off the Mangaluru coast on Monday, saving six fishermen from a sinking boat battling rough seas and severe flooding.
Officials said the distress call came around 4 p.m. from the fishing vessel Manju Matha, located about 33 nautical miles off Suratkal. The crew reported that the boat was taking on water after hull damage caused by turbulent waves.
ICGS Sachet, patrolling nearby, immediately changed course and reached the distressed vessel within 90 minutes. The rescue unfolded amid strong winds, poor visibility, and fading daylight. Coast Guard personnel deployed remote-operated lifebuoys to safely evacuate the stranded fishermen.
By 6 p.m., all six crew members were rescued without injuries. The Coast Guard ship then headed to New Mangalore Harbour to disembark the fishermen and complete formalities.
The rescued vessel, registered in Udupi as IND KA 02 MO 5268, suffered extensive damage but remained afloat long enough for the operation. Officials praised the crew’s quick response and coordination under extreme conditions.
