A mechanised fishing boat from Tharuvaikulam and a rescue vessel from Thoothukudi, both of which had drifted into the Sri Lankan waters after suffering mechanical failures, are awaiting for the rescue boats to tow them back.
A mechanised boat bearing the registration number IND TN 12 MM 6919 from Tharuvaikulam had ventured into sea on June 15, with 11 members on board. On June 27 (Friday), while fishing in the northeastern waters off the coast of Kanniyakumari, the vessel came to halt due to gearbox failure.
Upon receiving information about the stranded vessel and after obtaining getting a NOC from the Fisheries Department, a rescue team comprising nine members departed from Thoothukudi on Friday evening in a boat with the registration number IND TN 12 MM 6625, in an attempt to retrieve the stranded vessel. However, during the towing operation, the boat from Thoothukudi also suffered an unexpected mechanical failure and became stranded.
When both the vessels did not return to shores as expected on Saturday, the District Administration and Fisheries Department were alerted. As the boats were drifted to the Sri Lankan waters due to westerly winds, there were concerns that winds might push them further into the Sri Lankan territory.
An official from the Fisheries department said the Indian Coast Guard has informed the Sri Lankan Navy about the situation. A Coast Guard vessel along with two mechanised boats fitted with transponders have departed from Thoothukudi on Sunday (June 29) to carry out the rescue operation. “It will take at least seven hours for these boats to reach the spot,” the official mentioned.
Thoothukudi Collector K. Elambahavath told The Hindu that a Coast Guard vessel from the nearest point had reached the stranded boats and rescued them from the Sri Lankan waters. The vessels are expected to reach Thoothukudi by Monday.
Published – June 29, 2025 12:42 pm IST
