The Indian Coast Guard rescued five fishermen from fishing boat MFV Kalamma, which was in distress off Bomilla Creek near Hut Bay region of Little Andaman Island. The Indian Coast Guard Regional Headquarters at Port Blair received an unregistered DAT (Distress Alert Transmitter) alert from DAT ID-85068 at around 1100 hrs on Sunday. On receipt of information, Indian Coast Guard promptly launched Search and Rescue operation and sailed out Coast Guard Ship C-412fromHutbayat 1200 hrs for investigation and assistance. Since the alert was activated from an unregistered DAT, the details of the boat and its owner was not available with the Indian Coast Guard. The information was immediately shared with Fisheries authorities with a request to provide the details of person/boat issued with said DAT. Braving rough seas and strong winds, at around 1430 hrs, the Coast Guard Ship successfully located the distressed boat and provided the boat crew with basic necessities and first aid. During preliminary investigation, the boat crew informed that they sailed from Juglighat region of Port Blair city, South Andaman on May 3 last for fishing. While fishing in Bomilla Creek, during the night on May 8, the boat got toppled due to high swell and inclement weather and its engine got damaged due to ingress of saltwater. The boat crew managed to upright the boat and tried to operationalize the engine, however, the engine failed to start and the boat was adrift. Subsequently, the crew activated DAT to alert authorities for assistance.
The technical team of CG ship tried to repair the engine; however, the defect could not be rectified view non-availability of engine specific spares. Understanding the criticality of situation in prevailing inclement weather, the boat was taken under tow by Coast Guard Ship C-412and was brought to Hut Bay at around 1945 hrs on May 9. All five boat crew are reported to be safe and healthy. The boat along with its crew was handed over to local police at Hut Bay region of Little Andaman for further formalities. The Coast Guard Spokesperson said, “The instant case highlights the importance of carriage of DATs by fishing boats and its effectiveness in saving lives at sea. Further, Indian Coast Guard, at various forums, has not only reiterated the importance of carrying DAT by Indian fishermen but also highlighted the significance of registration of DATs by fishermen for effective SAR response. Such a successful Search and Rescue (SAR) mission reinforces the trust and confidence of our fishermen on Indian Coast Guard as a leading SAR agency. This SAR operation, has once again proved professional acumen and unabated commitment of Indian Coast Guard towards safeguarding precious lives at sea in all spheres of operations”.