ICG rescues stranded fisherman from Odisha

Team Udayavani, Oct 24, 2019, 11:17 AM IST

Mangaluru: An Indian Coast Guard Ship rescued a 33-year-old fishermen who was stranded in the sea on Wednesday October 23^rd. The rescued fisherman is identified as Londa (35) of Odisha.

As per sources, a fishing boat ‘FB Shaional Angel’ with Reg No IND KA/01/3820 left from Mangaluru port on a deep sea  fishing expedition at around 3 am on Wednesday morning. As the sea was rough, Londa lost his balance and went overboard. However, his falling into the rough sea went unnoticed by the other fishermen aboard the vessel. Later, since his mobile phone was still in the boat, his absence was noticed. Immediately, the boat sent a distress message to the coastal security police at Malpe.

As the sea was rough, it was not possible to reach the location on speed boats and hence, information regarding the situation was sent to ICGS Savitri Bai Phule which was on patrolling duty. The vessel immediately altered its course, rushed to the location and successfully rescued the almost exhausted fisherman who was found 10 nautical miles away from Malpe light house. After bringing the exhausted Londa aboard the vessel, he was provided with food, first aid and his health was stabilized. He was brought to NMPT where he was handed over to the Coastal Security Police.

Floating using a piece of thermocol

Before the coast guard located Loanda, he was swimming continuously for 12 straight hours looking forward for any help. Besides, he was also slowly swimming towards the shore from the location where he went overboard. According to sources, he found a floating piece of thermocol in the sea which slightly assisted him in staying afloat.

The sea had turned rough due to the fall in pressure and hence there were strong winds. Although the situation was dangerous, the coast guard and coastal security police nonetheless conducted the operation successfully.